Newcastle vs Manchester United: Premier League match preview

A look ahead to this Wednesday's Premier League fixture at St James’ Park

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney, centre, celebrates after scoring his second goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Sunderland at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester

Newcastle face top four hopefuls Manchester United after securing a victory over Aston Villa, which all but secured Premier League football next season. However, in their last two meetings against Manchester United, they have conceded seven goals, scoring just one in reply.

Louis van Gaal’s side have not played spectacularly this season, not the Manchester United of old, but his team lie in fourth spot, just five points of local city rivals Manchester City, who sit in second place. With just two defeats in 17 league games, the Red Devils have found a resilience to fight through and win games, they perhaps don’t deserve too.

And while the Dutchman’s team will be favourites to win the game, Newcastle boss John Carver, who welcomes back Jack Colback after a ban, will want to prove a point, that he is the man to take the Toon Army forwards into the next season. Both sides are likely to line up to attack, meaning this could be an exciting encounter.

LIVE: Premier League Wednesday latest

KICK-OFF: Tuesday, 7.45pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Manchester United 3 (Rooney 2, Van Persie) Newcastle 1 (Cissé), December 2014

Newcastle 0 Manchester United 4 (Mata 2, Hernandez, Januzaj), April 2014

Manchester United 0 Newcastle 1 (Cabaye), December 2013

STATS…

Manchester United have lost just once in 11 visits to St James’ Park (W8 D2)

Newcastle have not won back to back matches since 22nd November.

The Magpies have lost only three home games in the league all season, the joint least outside the top five.

Manchester United have won only three away games all season in the league, the joint worst with West Ham in the top ten.

But the Red Devils are lost only two games in their last 17 Premier League matches (W11 D4).

ODDS…

Newcastle to win: 4.2

Manchester United to win: 2.05

Draw: 3.55

TV: Live on BT Sport 1 at 7.45pm