Big Match Focus: Newcastle United v Man Utd
The Magpies welcome Man Utd to St James' Park on Saturday.
With their Champions League fates out of their hands, Newcastle United and Manchester United face off at St James’ Park on Saturday.
While Eddie Howe can point to a dismal refereeing decision going against his side in Paris, Erik ten Hag’s United were undone by another Andre Onana calamity in their thrilling 3-3 draw against Galatasaray on Wednesday.
But both teams come into this game on the back of positive results in the Premier League; Newcastle hammered Chelsea 4-1, while United overcame Everton at a vociferous Goodison Park.
This match sees seventh take on sixth in the Premier League, with a spot in the top five on the line for the winner.
None of United’s last 20 Premier League games have ended in a draw, while Newcastle have netted 31 goals in the top flight this term — so expect some fireworks!
DATA BRIEF
According to Understat's expected points metric, Newcastle can consider themselves unfortunate not to be much higher up. Indeed, had the results followed the data, then the Magpies would be in second place.
United, on the other hand, should be below the likes of Brentford and Everton (points deduction aside), yet Ten Hag’s men are overperforming.
Without playing particularly well, United have won their last three Premier League games by an aggregate score of 5-0.
Since losing 2-1 against Liverpool in August, Newcastle have won their last five Premier League home games by an aggregate score of 12-1.
WHAT IT MEANS
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