Premier League: Where to watch Newcastle vs Man United live on April 2, 2023

Topics: TV Schedules, Newcastle, Manchester United, English Premier League

The Red Devils return to action in the Premier League for the first time in three weeks as Ten Hag's men face fellow top-four challengers Newcastle at St. James' Park.

After a three-week layoff, Manchester United finally return to action in the Premier League as the English giants look to strengthen their grip on a top-four spot. Unfortunately, the Red Devils will travel to one of the toughest away grounds this season as they take on Newcastle at St. James' Park.

Newcastle are also in a battle to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. The Magpies are currently fifth in the table but are only two points behind fourth-placed Tottenham despite having played two fewer games than the North London heavyweights.

As a result, Eddie Howe's men simply need to win their games in hand and a top-four spot will be in grasp. In fact, Newcastle can leapfrog Manchester United in the table if they beat the Red Devils.

Trippier and Co. have lost only three games all season and their only defeat at St. James' Park came in the 2-0 loss to Liverpool in mid-February when Nick Pope was sent off. Additionally, Howe's men boast the best defense in the league — no club has conceded fewer goals all season that the Magpies (19).

And we are yet to mention the element of revenge as Newcastle will be keen on getting the better of Man United following their defeat against the Red Devils in the Carabao Cup final. The Saudi-owned side lost 2-0 at Wembley back in February and thus missed out on the opportunity to lift silverware.

That result coincided with a five-game winless streak from Newcastle, with the last three outings ending in defeats (vs. Liverpool and the two Manchester giants). However, since then, Howe's men have secured back-to-back victories, beating Wolves and Nottingham Forest, and will be looking to get the better of the 20-time English champions this weekend.

As mentioned earlier, Manchester United haven't been in action in the Premier League for three weeks, with their last top-flight game being that controversial goalless draw with Southampton. The club have been focused on UEFA Europa League and FA Cup duty, with Ten Hag's men beating Fulham in the FA Cup quarterfinals in their most recent fixture.

However, the Red Devils have endured a slump of their own in the league. Rashford and Co. have only won three out of their last eight top-flight matches and while the English giants have games in hand on both Arsenal and Man City, Manchester United are currently 22 points behind the Gunners and 14 adrift of their neighbors.

And not only is St. James' Park one of the toughest grounds to visit in the Premier League this season, but the Red Devils will also head to Tyneside without influential midfielder Casemiro, who is still suspended following his red card against Southampton.

Defeat could see Ten Hag's side drop to sixth in the table, should Tottenham beat Everton on Monday. Even a draw could see the Manchester giant surrender their top-four spot, albeit temporarily due to their games in hand on Spurs. As a result, this is a must-win tie for the visitors.

The last time Newcastle and Manchester United locked horns, it was the latter that enjoyed the last laugh. However, their most recent league encounter ended in a goalless draw despite the Red Devils boasting the home advantage. Do not miss this St. James' Park battle.

Team news

Newcastle: Miguel Almiron and Emil Krafth are both injured and will miss this tie. Unfortunately for Howe, he has several other doubts as well, including Nick Pope, Sven Botman, Allan Saint-Maximin, and Anthony Gordon. Fortunately, Joelinton is back from suspension and should start while Alexander Isak is in lovely form and should lead the line.

Manchester United: As mentioned earlier, Casemiro is suspended. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford pulled out of international duty due to a toe injury but is expected to recover in time for this tie. Anthony Martial and Raphael Varane should be available but Alejandro Garnacho remains on the sidelines. Eriksen and Van de Beek are the club's long-term absentees.

Key stats

Manchester United have failed to beat Newcastle in their last two Premier League encounters.
However, the Red Devils are unbeaten in their last six top-flight run-ins with the Magpies, winning four and drawing two.
Ten Hag's men have failed to score in their last two league outings.
Eddie Howe's side are on a two-game winning streak in the league but won only one out of eight before that (D5, L2).
Manchester United have the fourth-worst defensive record away from home in the Premier League this season, having conceded 27 times on the road. Only Bournemouth (38), Nottingham Forest (32), and Leicester City (30) have fared worse.