Manchester United vs Newcastle Preview: United Missing Three Due to Africa Cup, Newcastle Struggles Away, Neither Side Likely to Win

At 4 AM Beijing time on December 27, the 18th round of the Premier League will start with Manchester United hosting Newcastle.

The highlights of the Manchester United vs Newcastle match are as follows:

First:Team conditions!! After 17 rounds in the Premier League, Manchester United has 7 wins, 5 draws, and 5 losses, totaling 26 points and ranking seventh; Newcastle has 6 wins, 5 draws, and 6 losses, totaling 23 points and ranking eleventh. In the last Premier League round, Manchester United lost 1-2 away to Aston Villa, ending a four-game unbeaten streak. Captain Bruno Fernandes will miss some time due to a soft tissue injury; Newcastle drew 2-2 at home against Chelsea and has only suffered one loss in the last six matches.

Second:Manchester United missing 3 players due to Africa Cup, Newcastle struggles away, neither side likely to win! The Africa Cup has already started, causing Manchester United to miss three key players (Mbomo, Amad, Mazraoui). Along with captain Bruno Fernandes’s injury, United is missing four main players, which seriously weakens their fighting strength. Defensively, De Ligt and Maguire are also injured, leaving United severely depleted. Newcastle performs strongly at home but struggles away, so both teams face significant challenges! It will be tough for Manchester United to win at home. Newcastle's playing style is very physical, with their midfield trio known as the "Funeral" for their toughness, even somewhat "dirty." If Newcastle opts for counterattacks, they might even have a chance to win on the road.

In summary, both teams face difficulties in securing a victory. If neither side takes excessive risks with aggressive attacks, a draw might be acceptable to both.

In their last six meetings, Manchester United has won once and lost five times. Last season, Newcastle defeated Manchester United in both home and away matches.

Injury and suspension updates for both sides: Manchester United hasBruno Fernandes, Maguire, Meunier, De Ligt; Newcastle hasBurn, Kraft, Trippier, Botman, O'Shaughnessy, Rassells, Livramento, Pope (doubtful).