It is a battle for Manchester United to remain wholesome throughout the festive season as their push for a European place within the Premier League is hitting a velocity bump. Going through Aston Villa, United suffered their first loss in 4 matches, and it was a pricey one as midfielder Bruno Fernandes left with an damage. Whereas supervisor Ruben Amorim would not put a timescale on how lengthy Fernandes might be out, lacking any time is already an excessive amount of for  United, given their absences.

The best way to watch Manchester United vs. Newcastle United, odds

• Date: Friday, Dec. 26 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
• Location: Outdated Trafford — Manchester, England 
• TV: USA
• Odds: Manchester United +160; Draw +260; Newcastle United +160

Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbuemo are unavailable for the foreseeable future whereas on worldwide obligation for the Africa Cup of Nations, and midfielder Kobbie Mainoo additionally missed the Villa match because of a calf challenge. With a shoestring squad and a good group of groups in midtable, any dropped factors throughout the festive interval might show to be pricey for Manchester United.

It’s going to be even more durable with Newcastle United being one of many groups seeking to catch them within the league. Eddie Howe’s Magpies have struggled to string collectively wins regardless of their Champions League type and sit eleventh within the league coming into match day 18. However with Yoan Wissa lastly again to full well being and Nick Woltemade discovering the again of the web, they’re going to formally have their first selection strike drive for seeking to take down United. Newcastle could also be six factors off a European spot, however with matches coming thick and quick, that is when groups can rapidly make up floor.

With just one win to this point in December, the time is now for Newcastle’s type to show round, as defensively, they have been probably the greatest groups within the league. Regardless of permitting six targets in December, solely Arsenal has a greater anticipated targets in opposition to than Newcastle’s 3.83. The Magpies have solely allowed 10 pictures on objective of their 4 video games this mont,h and with United’s attacking woes, this can be a match the place the protection ought to shine but once more.

If issues do not begin turning round quickly, that is the place, regardless of Champions League success and successful the EFL Cup final season to finish a prolonged trophy drought, questions will start to circle round if extra change is required at St. James’ Park with the January switch window opening quickly. It is laborious to name matches a should win at this stage of the season, however given the desk, it is a match that neither aspect can afford to lose.