The Matchday 18 Premier League fixture between Manchester United and Newcastle will take place on December 26 at Old Trafford. Manchester United vs Newcastle: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Manchester United
Manchester United lost 2-1 away to Aston Villa in the last round. That defeat ended the club's four-match unbeaten league run, during which they recorded two away wins and two home draws. In their previous 11 Premier League matches the side has been beaten only twice, registering five wins and four draws in that period. United have slipped to seventh in the table but are just three points off the top four. It is also worth noting that only Manchester City (41 goals) have scored more than Ruben Amorim's men (31) in the current Premier League season.
- Both teams have scored in five of Manchester United's last five Premier League matches.
- At least three goals were scored in eight of Manchester United's last ten league matches.
- Manchester United are without a win in three consecutive home Premier League matches (two draws and one defeat).
Probable Manchester United line-up (3-5-1)
Senne Lammens – Aiden Heven, Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw – Diogo Dalot, Bruno Fernandes, Manuel Ugarte, Patrick Dorgu, Mason Mount – Benjamin Sesko.
Defenders Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt, as well as midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, are sidelined through injury. Captain Bruno Fernandes will be out for around a month with a knock. Nussair Mazraoui, Brian Mbemo and Amad Diallo have departed to the Africa Cup of Nations.
Newcastle
Eddie Howe's side are also without a win in two successive Premier League games. After an away defeat to Sunderland (0-1) they drew 2-2 at home with Chelsea, having led by two goals before conceding twice in the second half. The loss to Sunderland was their only defeat in six Premier League outings (three wins and two draws). Newcastle sit 11th in the table and are three points behind Manchester United.
- Three or more goals were scored in nine of Newcastle's last ten league matches.
- Both teams have scored in nine of Newcastle's last ten Premier League games.
- The club have failed to win in 10 of their last 11 away Premier League matches (four draws and six defeats).
Probable Newcastle line-up (4-3-3)
Aaron Ramsdale – Lewis Miley, Fabian Schär, Lewis Hall, Malik Tiaw – Bruno Guimarães, Jacob Ramsey, Sandro Tonali – Nick Woltemade, Anthony Gordon, Jacob Murphy.
Forward William Osula, defenders Jamal Dassells, Dan Burn, Valentino Livramento, Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman and Emil Kraft, and goalkeeper Nick Pope will miss the game through injury.
Referee
Anthony Taylor (England)
Matches – 13 (Premier League, 2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second) – 47;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.6;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 21;
Penalties – 15%.
Match prediction: Manchester United vs Newcastle
I slightly favour the hosts. Despite United missing their captain and three first-team players to AFCON, Newcastle's absences look more damaging — no fewer than six defensive players are sidelined, which is likely to influence the final score. Manchester United possess one of the Premier League's strongest attacking units and should be able to exploit Eddie Howe's defensive problems.
United have lost only once in their last seven Premier League home games (four wins and two draws), and scored at least twice on five occasions during that run. By contrast, Newcastle have taken just seven points from their last 11 away league fixtures and have scored more than once in only one of those matches. United have also won seven of the last ten league meetings at Old Trafford between the sides (two draws and one defeat).
My prediction – Manchester United (draw no bet)
* The probable line-ups show the starting XI used by each team in their previous match in this competition.
