Newcastle vs. Man Utd: Preview, Predictions and Lineups

St James’ Park will stage the Premier League’s mid-week showpiece on Wednesday as Newcastle United attempt to derail the division’s form side, Manchester United, in front of a raucous Toon Army.

Michael Carrick’s visitors arrive on Tyneside buoyed by a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Crystal Palace, a result that stretched United’s record to six wins from seven since the interim boss returned to the dug-out following Ruben Amorim’s exit. Benjamin Šeško’s towering header sealed the points and nudged the Red Devils into third, six clear of Chelsea and firmly in control of the race for next season’s Champions League.

Newcastle, by contrast, have spent 2025 searching for traction. Saturday’s 3-2 home defeat to Everton was a fourth loss in five league outings and left Eddie Howe’s side 13th, a distant memory of the fifth-placed finish that fuelled European hopes last May. With a two-legged Europa League round-of-16 clash against Barcelona looming, Howe must balance short-term league recovery against continental ambition.

Illness has further muddied preparations on Tyneside. Jacob Ramsey felt unwell at the weekend, although he has recovered quickly and is expected to keep his spot, while summer signing Nick Woltemade remains under the weather. The treatment room is still crowded: Bruno Guimarães, Lewis Miley, Fabian Schär and Emil Krafth are all ruled out, but Tino Livramento is nearing a return after two months sidelined with a hamstring complaint.

Carrick, a North-East native, knows the cauldron that awaits, yet he could be bolstered by the possible availability of Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw, both withdrawn against Palace with illness rather than injury. Lisandro Martínez (calf) and Matthijs de Ligt (back) remain out, Patrick Dorgu is still weeks away from a hamstring comeback, but Mason Mount could rejoin the squad after resuming full training last week.

Probable XIs

Newcastle (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Joelinton, Tonali, Ramsey; Elanga, Gordon, Barnes.

Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Mazraoui; Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Šeško.

Prediction

United’s upward trajectory and Newcastle’s injury-hit, confidence-sapped squad point to a third straight away win for Carrick’s men, but cup-style nights on Gallowgate have a habit of defying logic. Expect a tight contest decided by a moment of quality from the league’s most in-form outfit.

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