Newcastle United vs. Manchester United: Team News, Preview, Live Stream, TV Info

Newcastle United versus Manchester United sees a team on a four-match losing streak at home facing a team who have recently recovered from a four-match losing streak with a draw and back-to-back wins—though hardly convincing. 

Steve McClaren—in a quote that could easily have come from his opposite number Louis van Gaal—said of his team's recent run, per the official Newcastle Twitter feed: 

Per BBC Sport, Van Gaal said: 

"

We have won two games in a row and I hope it will give us a boost. But now we are playing away, it's different and Newcastle United are playing very well.

I saw their game against Arsenal—they played very well. But they didn't win and that's the most important thing in football. We have to beat them.

"

Given how abject Manchester United were in their 1-0 win over Sheffield United, another poor performance would heap further pressure on Van Gaal.

For McClaren, losing to Manchester United would hardly be a disaster, but a five-match losing streak is something he will obviously be extremely keen to avoid. 

The Old Trafford encounter earlier this season was the first of Manchester United's seven 0-0 draws this season. Seeing that scoreline again would not come as a shock to many people.

Date: Tuesday, January 12, 2015

Time: 7:45 p.m. GMT/12:45 p.m. ET

Venue: St. James' Park, Newcastle, England

TV Info: BT Sport 1 (UK Only) / NBCSN Network (U.S. only)

Live Stream: BT Sport (UK Only) / NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S. only)

Form Lines

Newcastle United: WDLLLL

Manchester United: LLLDWW

Team News

BBC Sport report: 

"

Newcastle captain Fabricio Coloccini, winger Florian Thauvin and defender Kevin Mbabu are all doubtful to face Manchester United through injury.

However, midfielder Jack Colback is expected to return to the side after recovering from a hamstring problem.

"

James Tuck reports for Manchester United's website that Van Gaal—speaking in his traditional pre-match interview with MUTV—said: "Bastian [Schweinsteiger] is injured, that we know."

The manager explained that the position with the rest of the squad is less certain, saying: 

"

That is difficult, because it is so close to the match against Sheffield United We have to recover. Yesterday we recovered but we have to see if the players are still overloaded or not. Until this moment, the players have not arrived so we have to wait and see. 

After I know all the data, I can line up. That is why it is always difficult in a period when we have to play a lot of matches. You have to wait to see how the players are recovering of the load in the match.

"

No new information was provided on the long-term injuries to Luke Shaw, Antonio Valencia and Marcos Rojo, who remain out of contention.

Predicted Lineups

Newcastle United fan Jonny Sharples predicts the above lineup for the Magpies, saying: 

"Newcastle are so short of options at the moment that the team sort of picks itself. Colback has not been back in training long so [Siem] De Jong may play instead of him, in which case Sissoko would probably drop back. If Coloccini does not pass his fitness test there is a chance [Jamaal] Lascelles could play in his place."

With Schweinsteiger injured, Morgan Schneiderlin will surely come back into the side. Marouane Fellaini was ineffective against Sheffield United, and Michael Carrick has not played for some time, hence his inclusion. 

In defence, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson comported himself well against Sheffield United, but given his age, it seems likely the 18-year-old will be used sparingly. Expect Ashley Young to return in his place, although which flank Young and Matteo Darmian start on is up for debate. 

Elsewhere, the above lineup sees Juan Mata dropped. The Spaniard has been in a run of poor form lately, and another turn out of position on the right wing seems the last thing he needs. Of course, it would hardly be a surprise to see him start nonetheless. 

Players to Watch

Finding a Newcastle player in form is a tough ask. Their last goal was scored by Coloccini against Aston Villa on 19 December.

The Argentinian and Chancel Mbemba have been among Newcastle's better performers of late, and Coloccini certainly put in a captain's performance at Old Trafford earlier this season.

Jon Super/Associated Press

Given the pattern of most of the Red Devils' games this season, the Magpies' central-defensive unit are as good a choice as any to keep an eye on. They will need to be at their best. 

Picking a Manchester United player to watch is almost as much of a challenge. Anthony Martial seems to be the choice for most games, but that is because he has offered the most exciting football of anyone in United red this season. 

Elsewhere in the side—assuming he is back—Young will hope to repeat his goalscoring feat at St. James' Park last season, and he was important to Manchester United's attack against Swansea City before picking up an injury.

Scott Heppell/Associated Press

Look out, too, for a cameo from Memphis Depay who made a big difference when he came on as a substitute against Sheffield United.

Key Battle

Assuming Newcastle do not put in an attacking display much improved from their visit to Old Trafford, the key battle here will be between Manchester United's stodgy attack and the Magpies' defence.

Can Coloccini repeat the trick and help guide his team to another clean sheet? The Red Devils' recent troubles in front of goal suggests he can.

Keeping Martial quiet will be key for the Geordies' defence, as will ensuring there is little space for Manchester United to operate in the final third. It is abundantly clear they have not yet cracked the code when it comes to regularly beating teams who set up to defend deep against them. 

Odds

Manchester United: 83-100

Draw: 393-100

Swansea: 137-50

Odds for the game correct at the time of writing, per Odds Shark.

All quotations obtained firsthand where not otherwise stated.