Manchester United host Newcastle United in a battle of two teams that, well, sometimes look like they’re playing for one point instead of three. Regarding the hosts, it’s like a flashback to the Louis van Gaal era and all the boring 0-0 draws. That was the result in midweek against Valencia, in the Champions League group stage fixture and it left the Red Devils winless in their last four.
While it seems that manager Jose Mourinho has really lost it this season, and a change could refresh the season, his seat is not that warm. Things will have to get worse before he gets the sack, so if you’re rooting for that, sorry.
As for the visitors, Rafa Benitez has certainly shown a penchant for playing to draw instead of win this season against the big six. His tactics against Chelsea were an abomination to the game of football, and if you watched that match, you’ll remember the tortuous drudgery of it.
Let’s take a look at the fitness situation. For United, Jesse Lingard, Ashley Young, Ander Herrera and Marcos Rojo are all doubts after missing Tuesday night’s clash. For the Magpies, Salomon Rondon is out due to a thigh injury, while DeAndre Yedlin, Frederico Fernandez and Paul Dummett all face late fitness tests.
Jose Mourinho Press Conference Video: coming tomorrow
Man United Starting XI Prediction: go to this link
TV/Kick-off: BT Sport 1, 530 pm (BST), Saturday Oct 6
Odds via William Hill: United 47/100 Draw 10/3 Newcastle 6/1
Prediction: United 1, Newcastle 0
As always, feel free to post your own United and/or Newcastle starting XI predictions, as well as your best guess as to what the final score will be.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, is currently a regular contributor to SB Nation, WGN CLTV and Chicago Now.
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