Manchester United are once again back in crisis mode after the loss against Watford. The result has left the Red Devils with a huge fight to even think about Champions League qualification. Chelsea have been able to open up a seven-point advantage of the weekend’s results. More worryingly, the likes of Sheffield United and Wolves have been doing really well. The defeat against the league’s bottom team raises questions about Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s ability to lead the club into the future. A lot of questions will be answered when his team take on Newcastle on Boxing Day.
This is the late kick-off on Boxing Day with Newcastle coming into the game after a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace. Hugo Almiron came up with a late winner in the game to give Newcastle some much needed three points. The result helped the Magpies to move into the top half of the table. The team has now registered three wins in the last four matches. The away defeat against Burnley is the only exception in this exceptional run, which also involves a win over fifth-placed Sheffield United. Newcastle do not perform well on the road and they have lost six in the last nine away trips. A visit to the former stomping ground will be a motivation for Steve Bruce. A problem for Newcastle is the absence of Allan Saint-Maximin.
Manchester United may have suffered crushing defeat in recent weeks, but the game should be a motivation for the team to get something out of this encounter. United have also been able to enjoy a positive record against Newcastle at Old Trafford. The Red Devils have picked up eight wins in the last 13 classes at Old Trafford. The home team is also expected to get a major chunk of the possession. A great option would be to pick a United win to nil at 2.20.