How Newcastle United Will Line Up Against Manchester United
After a sobering midweek loss at the hands of Swansea City, Newcastle United will look to get back to winning ways this Saturday—but they’ll have to get past the Premier League champions to do so.
The Magpies had won four games in a row before Wednesday’s defeat in South Wales, but the 3-0 reverse brought their good run to a halt ahead of their clash with Manchester United.
Though the Red Devils are looking to bounce back themselves after losing at home to Everton, it’s a staggering 41 years since the Magpies last triumphed at Old Trafford.
So as manager Alan Pardew looks to succeed where every Toon boss since 1972 has failed, we look at Newcastle’s potential starting line-up for the trip to the North West.
Goalkeeper: Tim Krul
1 of 6
Though the 3-0 scoreline at Swansea City was slightly harsh on Newcastle United on Wednesday, it’s fair to say Tim Krul will want to move on as quickly as possible.
The Dutchman endured an evening to forget at the Liberty Stadium, and may feel he could have done better on all three of Swansea’s goals—especially the first, when he helped the ball into the path of scorer Nathan Dyer.
Krul’s footballing hero is former Red Devils goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, and on the ground where his countryman kept so many clean sheets, the 25-year-old would love to emulate him this weekend.
Full-Backs: Mathieu Debuchy and Davide Santon
2 of 6
After picking up yet another booking on Wednesday, Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew may well have a quiet word with Mathieu Debuchy, who has already served a one-game suspension this term.
The French right-back is expected to continue in his preferred position at Old Trafford, but he’ll need to keep the frustrations that boiled over at Swansea City in check.
On the left side of defence, Pardew has a number of options, and Davide Santon’s place could be up for grabs after a below-par shift in South Wales.
Massadio Haidara is fully fit, as is Paul Dummett. However, the Italian should start on Saturday. He’ll be feeling the pressure more than most if his performance isn’t up to scratch, though.
Centre-Backs: Fabricio Coloccini and Mike Williamson
3 of 6
With Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa replacing a somewhat beleaguered Mike Williamson at Swansea City in midweek, all eyes will be on Alan Pardew’s teamsheet to see which of them starts at Old Trafford.
The feeling is that Williamson will keep his place in the side, and after a convincing run in the starting XI of late, it’s no more than the 30-year-old deserves.
There is talk once more that Fabricio Coloccini is unsettled and longing for a move back to his native Argentina, according to Clive Hetherington at Mirror Football, but that won’t stop the Toon skipper from lining up against David Moyes’ men.
Central Midfielders: Yohan Cabaye and Cheick Tiote
4 of 6
Both Yohan Cabaye and Cheick Tiote were far from their best at Swansea City on Wednesday—and both will be eager to put things right against Manchester United.
Tiote’s tough tackling could be crucial against the likes of Shinji Kagawa and Marouane Fellaini, while the Magpies will be hoping to utilise Cabaye’s invention far more than they did in South Wales.
Dutch international midfielder Vurnon Anita could also find himself involved at some stage at Old Trafford, but it’s likely any participation will be from the bench.
Wide Midfielders: Moussa Sissoko and Yoan Gouffran
5 of 6
After an abundance of praise for Newcastle United’s wide midfielders—not to mention, a recent spate of goals—Moussa Sissoko and Yoan Gouffran had little influence at Swansea City.
That is something they’ll both have to address in the far more intimidating surroundings of Old Trafford on Saturday.
Much of what has been good about the Magpies of late has stemmed from the work-rate and strength of the French pair—qualities that were sorely lacking in midweek.
Given Alan Pardew’s concerns surrounding the fitness of Hatem Ben Arfa, both should start in the North West against Manchester United.
Centre-Forwards: Loic Remy and Shola Ameobi
6 of 6
It was a frustrating night for Newcastle United’s strikers at Swansea City on Wednesday, but the chance to shake off such disappointment is not far away.
Loic Remy was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet in the opening half, and also had two strong penalty appeals turned down by referee Howard Webb.
Likewise Shola Ameobi was a shadow of the player on display in recent weeks, but the Nigerian international should be given the chance to rectify that at Old Trafford.
With Papiss Cisse picking up a heel injury, Alan Pardew has very few options up front, and he’ll be hoping the blank drawn at the Liberty Stadium was nothing more than a one-off.
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
