Group 28

2022-12-21 16:40:51 By : Mr. Sun Sunny

Man Utd host Newcastle in the Premier League this weekend as they look to make it four wins on the bounce under Erik ten Hag.

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Manchester United will be hoping to keep their winning run going when they host Newcastle in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon. Erik ten Hag's side have won their last three matches across all competitions but face a tricky test against the side who begin the weekend just one place below them in the league table.

United have lost just one of their last 37 home league games against Newcastle (W27 D9), a 1-0 loss in 2013 under David Moyes, and are looking to pick up three consecutive wins at Old Trafford for the first time since December last season.

In terms of early team news, Anthony Martial could return for the match, but Harry Maguire will miss out and Scott McTominay is suspended.

Here's how our MEN writers think United should line up.

Raphael Varane was sensibly rested on Thursday night and has to come back in. He's United's best defender and had a telling impact when he was only on for two minutes at Everton.

After Varane, Christian Eriksen is United's most important player and his breather against Omonia was overdue. United need him next to Casemiro.

Luke Shaw should return for Tyrell Malacia, whose confidence has been dented by the derby. The front four should be the same, with Anthony Martial a possible game-changer off the bench.

It seems like late fitness tests are the only thing that will affect United's line up this weekend. De Gea is the obvious choice in goal, as is the centre-back pairing of Varane and Martinez. Dalot is the only logical option at right-back and Shaw is the well-rounded choice on the left.

McTominay's suspension means Casmeiro will certainly start, as will Eriksen after he started from the bench in midweek. Fernandes is not only a mainstay of the current side but also the captain.

Antony was poor against Omonia but needs regular playing time to find his feet. On form, Rashford is the best left winger at the club, meaning the only tough call comes through the middle. If fit, it should be Martial.

De Gea is set to make his 500th appearance for United in his match and a clean sheet would be welcomed to celebrate the landmark occasion, which means Varane, who has been excellent this season, should return to the starting line up.

Casemiro is beginning to deliver and he should be a certainty to keep his place, with McTominay suspended. Eriksen and Fernandes should start alongside him and Martial should lead the attack, provided that he is considered fit enough.

Rashford is best playing on the left and he will be desperate for a goal after wasting plenty of chances in midweek.

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