A repeat of the EFL Cup final is presented to us as an intriguing league fixture this weekend. Newcastle will want to exact revenge and put to bed assertions about their supposed fall from grace…United will want to pick up where they left off.
To Win Match
Newcastle 15/10 | Draw 47/20 | Manchester United 19/10
Newcastle
Admittedly, and again with the greatest respect, I’m not sure how or why Newcastle garner so much confidence from the both the punter and bookmaker. Irrespective though, I’ll entertain it out of respect…
St James’ will be bouncing on Sunday evening, you absolutely know that for sure, and after the disappointment of the EFL Cup final those diehards on Toon side will want to see their team register a reaction of sorts.
My only concern with Newcastle though is simple, they have failed to win any real ‘test’ in 2023 and frankly the brilliant start they enjoyed to their domestic season seems to be slowly dwindling. Yes, they come into the game beating Wolves and Forest – but before that they failed to take any points off Liverpool or Manchester City.
I don’t think they will roll over (hell, their support wouldn’t dare allow it) but I seriously cannot see them troubling this United side.
Predicted Line-up: Pope, Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn, Longstaff, Joelinton, Guimaraes, Almiron, Isak, Saint-Maximin.
Manchester United
I know that nobody really wants to see this in an article which is supposed to simply guide your weekend wagers, but I feel it would be remiss of me. Manchester United are going through a pleasant time in the club’s more recent history.
Their manager is almost fixated on the club’s narrative, its philosophy, players, and internal structures. He completely understands the importance of those nuances and yet is achieving positive results simultaneously – or rather, instantaneously.
I am a big believer in the suggestion that whilst we might not want to admit that winning is very close to being everything, the reality is nobody listens or cares unless you’re winning!
Manchester United have a squad very much capable of running straight through Newcastle, and I can’t see why they won’t on Sunday. It isn’t at Old Trafford and so I can understand the caution, but at 19/10 I think this is a gift.
Predicted Line-up: De Gea, Dalot, Lindelof, Martinez, Shaw, Fred, Sabitzer, Sancho, Fernandes, Pellistri, Rashford
Verdict: Manchester United (19/10)
I might come across more bullish than I intend, but unless I’m missing something…19/10 is a little silly about a United win.
It doesn’t need to be added to any multiples, but jeepers! Pile in!
