Manchester United are back at it on Boxing Day, and in the primetime slot against another Northern heavyweight.
The Reds welcome Newcastle United to Old Trafford for a battle to stay relevant in the European places of the Premier League table. Just three points separate the Lancashire and Tyneside clubs, with United whiffing on an opportunity to close in on the top four with a loss to Aston Villa at the weekend. The Magpies have had their own difficult start to the season, and are looking to continue
clawing their way back up the table after a missed opportunity to down Chelsea and take all three points last Saturday.
United will be without captain, Bruno Fernandes, after he left with an apparent hamstring injury at halftime against Villa. They’ve failed to win their last seven league fixtures without their talisman, and will also have to find form up front without AFCON stars Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo.
Casemiro returns after serving a one-match suspension for yellow card accumulation and is likely to form a midfield partnership with either Manuel Ugarte or Lisandro Martinez. The former is coming off of yet another poor performance, making it seven straight starts in which United have lost with him on the pitch, and the latter proved serviceable despite playing out of position.
Premier League Schedule
It’s an evening kickoff in the UK, which means a 3:00 p.m. kickoff on the East Coast of the U.S.
Premier League Channel
The match is on Sky Sports Premier League in the UK. Those Stateside can watch on USA or stream the match on NBC Sports. In Canada, it’s on DAZN and Fubo.
Everyone else, head on over to LiveSoccerTV to find your viewing options.
Predicted Lineup
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
Lammens; Yoro, Martinez, Shaw; Dalot, Casemiro, Ugarte, Dorgu; Mount, Cunha; Sesko
