Manchester United vs Newcastle: Premier League match preview

A look ahead to the festive fixture at Old Trafford

Louis van Gaal has had to rely on players who were already at the club - largely because of extensive injury problems (Getty Images)

Manchester United are the kings of Boxing Day in the Premier League era, having won 19 and only lost one of the 22 games they've played on 26 December.

Unfortunately for Newcastle United, they are terrible the day after Christmas, with just four wins in 20 years in the top flight - this game looks like it's only heading one way.

Before their 1-1 draw at Villa Park last weekend Manchester United had won six matches in a row and had begun to consolidate their spot as the third best team in the Premier League.

With Jonny Evans and Phil Jones back and Chris Smalling an outside chance to return, United's weak spot, their defence, is beginning to take shape.

However, Luke Shaw, Daley Blind, and Ander Herrer are still out, while Marouane Fellaini is ill and unlikely to play.

For Alan Pardew, holding midfielder Cheick Tiote is suspended, while Steven Taylor will not play after colliding with a post in the Tyne-Wear derby.

These two met on Boxing Day in 2012 and played out a seven-goal thriller, let's hope for a similar outcome.

KICK-OFF: Boxing Day, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Newcastle 0 Manchester United 4 (Mata x2, Hernandez, Januzaj), Premier League, April 2014

Manchester United 0 Newcastle 1 (Cabaye), Premier League, December 2013

Manchester United 4 (Evans, Evra, Van Persie, Hernandez) Newcastle 3 (Perch, Evans OG, Cisse), Premier League, December 2012

STATS…

Newcastle won at Old Trafford last season for the first time since February 1972.

Manchester United haven't lost back-to-back matches to Newcastle at Old Trafford since 1935.

United have lost just one of their last 30 home league games against Newcastle.

ODDS…

Manchester United to win: 1.4

Newcastle United to win: 4.5

Draw: 5

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 11pm