We kick off our March fixture list, arguably one of the toughest six game runs you’ll ever see a team have, against Manchester United on Wednesday night.
After the bruising defeat to Everton this past weekend, three points tonight is simply a non-negotiable. But it’s a big task ahead for Eddie Howe and the lads as Man Utd are the form team in the Premier League right now.
With games against Man City, Barcelona, Chelsea and Sunderland still to come this month, a statement performance is needed tonight to keep us within close distance of qualifying for European football next season.
Here’s how the teams line up under the lights at St James’ Park…
Newcastle XI: Ramsdale – Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall – Tonali, Ramsey, Joelinton – Elanga, Gordon, Barnes
Subs: Pope, Botman, Wissa, Osula, J.Murphy, A.Murphy, Willock, Shahar, Neave
Man Utd XI: Lammens – Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro, Shaw – Mainoo, Casemiro – Cunha, Fernandes, Mbeumo – Sesko
There’s just changes from Eddie Howe, as Aaron Ramsdale replaces Nick Pope and Harvey Barnes comes in for Nick Woltemade.
Pope loses his place in the starting XI after his mistakes at the weekend, with Ramsdale making his first league start since the reverse fixture on Boxing Day.
Anthony Gordon again leads the line, with Nick Woltemade reportedly absent due to a sickness outbreak within the team. Jacob Ramsey, who was forced off due to said sickness against Everton, keeps his place in the midfield however.
We’re still without the likes of Lewis Miley, Fabian Schar and Bruno Guimaraes, with Sven Botman on the bench alongside fellow recent returnee Yoane Wissa.
Meanwhile for the visitors, Michael Carrick has picked former Toon target Benjamin Sesko to lead the line: the former Leipzig striker has been a prolific presence off the bench in recent weeks, but he’s starting tonight.
The Red Devils are without Patrick Dorgu, who grabbed the winner in the reverse fixture back in December.
A huge three points is up for grabs, and momentum is needed heading into Saturday’s FA Cup clash against Manchester City. Howay The Lads!
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