Newcastle vs Manchester United: Can the Magpies Fly into the Champions League?
In a pivotal clash of Premier League Round 32, Newcastle United welcome Manchester United to St. James’ Park in a Sunday showdown set for April 13 at 17:30 CET. With Champions League dreams on the line, the Magpies are aiming to capitalize on home advantage—and current form—to take a huge step toward Europe’s elite competition.
Key Stats & Head-to-Head Insights
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Newcastle are flying high with four straight wins, bagging at least two goals in three of those matches.
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Manchester United’s form stumbles, with no wins in their last three league outings (2 draws, 1 defeat).
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United have managed just 37 goals in 31 league games—the sixth lowest tally in the league.
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Newcastle rarely go scoreless, failing to find the net in only 12% of their games. United, by comparison, blank in 20%.
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The Magpies score over 1.5 goals in 83% of their matches, edging out United’s 77%.
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Across all competitions, the Red Devils have just three wins in their last 11 matches.
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St. James’ Park has been a fortress: Newcastle are unbeaten in their last three home matches against United.
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In their previous five meetings, Newcastle hold four wins, including a 2-0 victory earlier this season.
Match Outlook
Newcastle are in red-hot form, coming off a dominant 3-0 win over Leicester. With 53 points from 30 matches, they’re level with Chelsea but ahead on goal difference. Importantly, they’re also one point ahead of Manchester City. Without the distraction of European competition, Newcastle are focused and fresher—poised to push for a Champions League berth.
Manchester United, on the other hand, are juggling domestic struggles with Europa League commitments. A midweek draw away to Lyon kept their European hopes alive, but in the league, they languish in 13th place with just 38 points. The 13-point gap to the European spots with only seven matches left makes qualification a tall order. Their recent form is patchy, with only two wins in their last five league games.
Predicted Lineups
Newcastle: Pope; Trippier, Schär, Burn, Livramento; Guimarães, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Barnes, Isak
Man United: Bayindir; Mazraoui, Lindelöf, Joro; Dalot, Fernandes, Ugarte, Dorgu; Garnacho, Mount; Zirkzee
Prediction & Odds
Given Newcastle’s strong form and their dominant home record against United, they look primed to claim all three points. With Manchester United’s focus potentially divided and their league form floundering, the Magpies could make a major leap toward Champions League qualification.
Tip: Newcastle to Win
Odds: 1.65