Manchester United predicted XI vs Newcastle in Premier League clash

Manchester United return to Premier League action with an all-important fixture against Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon.

After being held at Old Trafford by The Magpies earlier this season, United responded with victory against the Black and Whites in the Carabao Cup at Wembley in February.

The Reds now travel to St James Park, where only one team all season has bested the emerging top four candidates this term. Newcastle are sneaking up on United in the table, with only three points separating them.

Erik ten Hag’s men will be aware of the importance a victory could have against their top four competitors on the weekend, with a loss having the potential to drag them into a scrap that they don’t want to be a part of considering they’re still competing on three different fronts.

The United boss will be satisfied with the situation his team are in after a much-needed break during international fixtures. The likes of Raphael Varane (who is now retired from international football) and Marcus Rashford (who pulled out of the England camp with a slight injury) were rewarded with important rest, whilst others such as Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw and Wout Weghorst played bit-part roles during their time away.

Christian Eriksen and Anthony Martial are both in advanced stages of their recovery with the Frenchman set to rejoin the matchday squad. Eriksen will have to wait slightly longer until his return from injury.

Despite Martial being likely to feature against Newcastle, it’s safe to assume that Ten Hag will continue with Weghorst despite his goalscoring troubles. United’s no.9 could feature from the bench.

The defensive line up for the fixture is expected to be strong, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka keeping his place ahead of Diogo Dalot – the English defender played excellently up against Allan Saint-Maximin in the Carabao Cup final when subbed on at half-time. David de Gea, Martinez, Varane and Shaw should make up the unit.

With no Casemiro involved, Scott McTominay will likely be involved after a superb international break alongside Brazilian teammate Fred. In front of them will be Bruno Fernandes, who is yet to miss a single minute of league football this season barring his suspension against Aston Villa in November.

On the wings, Marcus Rashford will occupy the left side after Ten Hag confirmed he was back in training and Antony could be chosen ahead of Jadon Sancho on the right.

Wout Weghorst is expected to lead the line but will likely make way for Martial at some point. He registered an important assist in the cup final against The Magpies in February.

Full Manchester United predicted XI vs Newcastle:

David de Gea; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw; Scott McTominay, Fred; Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford; Wout Weghorst