Newcastle vs Manchester United tips and predictions: Murphy to shine in Magpies victory?

Newcastle state of play

Newcastle have an opportunity to make it five wins on the bounce in all competitions as they look to secure an important victory in their race to qualify for the Champions League. 

Three league wins in a row for Eddie Howe’s men means Newcastle currently sit in the magic fifth position, which now confirms Champions League qualification in the Premier League. 

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But three points this weekend could see them climb above Chelsea and into fourth. The west Londoners are hosting Ipswich this weekend and you can read our gameweek 32 breakdown of all 10 fixtures in our Premier League betting tips. 

The Magpies secured a 3-0 win over struggling Leicester City last time out, but you’d imagine Ruben Amorim’s side will present a tougher test at St James’ Park. 

Manchester United state of play

The Red Devils have little to play for when it comes to league action as they sit in the bottom half of the Premier League table. 

A win wouldn’t even see them climb into the top 10, while they are all but safe from being relegated.

United have shown plenty of inconsistency in the league this season and that’s continued of late, winning, losing, and drawing in their previous three games in England’s top flight.

This game is sandwiched between a crucial two-legged Europa League quarter-final tie against French outfit Lyon, so there could be more of a focus on advancing in that competition than the clash with Newcastle.

Key talking point: Can Jacob Murphy continue his fine form?

A surprise standout for the Magpies this season has been winger Jacob Murphy, who has provided a serious threat on the right-hand side for Howe. 

The English forward continued his impressive form on Monday night, scoring twice in a victory over Leicester.

Murphy has provided 19 goals and assists in all competitions this season, already bettering his highest number of contributions since joining the club. 

Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak often take a lot of the plaudits for Newcastle in attack, but Murphy has more than held his own in this side. 

The 30-year-old winger hasn’t always been a guaranteed starter for the North East club, but he’s quickly become a key player for the Magpies this season. 

FIRST’s top tip for Newcastle v Manchester United

Jacob Murphy to score - 14/5 (Mr.Play)

With Murphy striking twice last time out, we’re backing him to find the net once again. Isak is undoubtedly the danger man in attack, but there’s some nice value in Murphy picking up a goal.

Extra tips

Newcastle to win and over 1.5 goals - 19/20 (Mr.Play)

It’s difficult to see past a Newcastle win, considering there is more on the line for Howe’s side. This bet has come in during their previous three matches.

Team news

Newcastle will be sweating on the fitness of Anthony Gordon after he missed the trip to Leicester during the week, while Joe Willock was also unavailable due to concussion.

Manchester United welcomed back Kobbie Mainoo to training over the last few days, but Amorim will be without a host of players including Amad Diallo, Lisandro Martinez, and Matthijs De Ligt. 

Newcastle v Manchester United predicted line-ups

Newcastle: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Joelinton, Tonali, Guimaraes; Murphy, Isak, Barnes (4-3-3)

Manchester United: Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro; Dalot, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dorgu; Fernandes, Zirkzee; Hojlund (3-4-3)

Form guide (all competitions)

Newcastle: WWLWLLWWWW

Manchester United: DWLDDWWLDD

Odds correct at the time of writing.