Premier League: The Struggle is Real for Injury-Hit Duo

Manchester United vs Newcastle United

I read today that Glasgow Rangers are missing 11 players for their midweek Scottish Premier League game with Dundee.

Now you probably are wondering, What the hell has that got to do with a Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle?

Well, I use the example to highlight a point.

For both these teams have spent many months this season with as many players in the treatment room as in the dressing room, yet it receives few mentions.

Certainly, I believe the sides that claimed third and fourth place last season are well off the pace this campaign, largely because they have been beset by injuries for several months.

So, while sections of the media may appear far less understanding than their counterparts north of the border, both managers, Erik ten Hag and Eddie Howe, have mitigating reasons why they have failed to match their achievements from a year ago.

 

Talking Points

Of course, to their credit, neither Ten Hag nor Howe will use this as an excuse for a distinct lack of Premier League 2024 highlights.

It will be the same again this midweek.

United’s absentees are a who’s-who of international talent, with Luke Shaw, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes, Victor Lindelof, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, and Mason Mount among their men out right now.

Although they will hope to have some of those players returning quickly, especially with the FA Cup Final 11 days away, their run of ill fortune appears to be continuing given that Amad Diallo picked up a knock during Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, while Jonny Evans also departed the field early after only recently returning to action.

It’s not been quite as severe for Newcastle, but they have also struggled with injuries throughout the campaign, although Miguel Almiron, Joelinton, and Kieran Trippier have returned to action in recent weeks, while goalkeeper Nick Pope has been an unused substitute in the Magpies’ last two games.

Callum Wilson missed Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Brighton, while Alexander Isak departed the pitch early after suffering from an illness, although Howe is hoping to have both players back for the trip to Old Trafford.

It looks like one of these teams may well be playing in the Europa Conference next season, which, respectfully, is hardly appealing and was certainly not the ambition of either team at the start of the season.

Both will be hoping for better fortune next term.

 

History

This fixture produced one of the most exciting comebacks I’ve ever witnessed on duty for SBOTOP.

It was October 2018, and then United boss Jose Mourinho was under pressure after a poor start to the season.

That pressure grew tenfold when the Magpies netted twice in the opening 10 minutes to briefly silence all but a corner of Old Trafford.

The stirring fightback that followed in the final 20 minutes, resulting in Alexis Sanchez’s last-gasp winner, brought special scenes to those of a Red and White affiliation.

Although they were fairly close on that occasion, you have to go back to 2013 for the last time the Toon triumphed on United turf in the league—a day when Yohan Cabaye netted the only goal of the game.

Before that, they last won at Old Trafford in the top flight in 1972, so their record isn’t the best.

Last season’s corresponding fixture was goalless, since when Newcastle have beaten United three times in a row—twice at St James’ Park and once at Old Trafford in the League Cup.

Yet the most important meeting of all went United’s way as they clinched the League Cup with a 2-0 win at Wembley over the Magpies last season.

Overall, United have 91 wins in this fixture, with 46 Newcastle successes and 41 meetings ending level.

 

Betting Tip

I cannot recall an occasion when Newcastle went to Old Trafford as favourites, but, according to the SBOTOP Premier League 2024 betting odds, they are this week.

In a way, I can understand it, especially as their injury woes have cleared up in recent weeks, which, unsurprisingly, has coincided with a return to the form which saw them finish fourth last term.

The same cannot be said of the hosts, who were without 10 first-teamers from their squad in Sunday’s defeat to Arsenal.

A repeat of the contest from last term is on offer at 38.00 with Correct Score 0-0.

So, what of a United win, which is certainly an attractive proposition both 1X2 @ 2.52 and Asian Handicap -0.25 at 2.38.

If you trust the odds and plump for an away win, the odds include 1X2 @ 2.27 and Asian Handicap -0.25 at 2.14. I think there will be goals in this one as United seek to sign off at Old Trafford for the campaign on a high, and my tip is total is Total Goal 2-3 at 2.31.

   

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