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2022/23 English Premier League
Matchday 29
Newcastle United v Manchester United
St James' Park
Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Sunday, 2 April 2023
Kick-off is at 17h30
Manchester United will be determined to get back on the winning trail when they lock horns with top-four rivals Newcastle at St James' Park on Sunday, April 2.
The Reds Devils saw their faint
Premier League title hopes dashed following the heavy 7-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield and a 0-0 draw with rock-bottom Southampton at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag's side trail league leaders Arsenal by a massive 19 points in third place with two games in hand and Tottenham (4th) are breathing down their necks albeit having played two matches more.
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The Magpies boosted their top-four chances with back-to-back 2-1 victories against Wolves and Nottingham Forest, which arrested a run of five games without a win.
Eddie Howe's team are just three points adrift of United in fifth position and could end the weekend third in the standings if they manage to come out on top in this fixture for the first time since October 2019.
The Tynesiders have a five-point cushion to Liverpool (6th) and they cannot afford to drop many more points in the race for UEFA Champions League football.
Alexander Isak missed a large chunk of the first half of the season with a hamstring injury following his arrival from Real Sociedad in August 2022 but he's looking to make an impact in the final 12 matches after bagging three goals in his last two outings. The Swedish striker has now scored six goals in 10 top-flight appearances to equal his tally for La Real in La Liga last term.
Bruno Fernandes has matured under Ten Hag and is proving to be more selfless this term. The Portuguese attacking midfielder has picked out a team-mate in a better position to score on numerous occasions when he would have more inclined to shoot in the past. He has contributed six assists along with five goals in 25 league appearances and bagged a brace in United's 3-1 win FA Cup win over Fulham most recently.
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In team news, the hosts were dealt a major blow prior to their encounter with Forest when Miguel Almiron suffered a thigh injury in training, ruling him out for six weeks. He is joined on the sidelines by Anthony Gordon (ankle), Emil Krafth (knee) and Ryan Fraser, while Joelinton serves a suspension. Meanwhile, Casemiro is also suspended for the visitors, who are missing Donny van de Beek, Alejandro Garnacho (both knee), Christian Eriksen (ankle) and Anthony Martial (groin). Marcus Rashford and Raphael Varane are rated doubtful.
Howe took his squad to Dubai for a week-long training camp in Dubai during the international break and believes they are in good shape for the visit of the Red Devils.
"We're looking forward to getting back because the way we've scheduled things, there will be a good period of work next week," he said in an interview with NUTV in Dubai.
"I've actually got quite a long build-up to the game, we'll enjoy that build-up and get our tactical plan together and make sure the lads are ready for what is a massive game."
Luke Shaw has welcomed the international break after a hectic season for the club thus far, with Ten Hag's men having featured in 46 games across all competitions.
"I think it's coming at a good time," Shaw said. "I think since we've come back from the World Cup this period has been really positive, a trophy and still in two more competitions that we want to win.
"I think there's still a bit to improve on but things are looking good; it's nice now to refresh and come back ready to go again against Newcastle."
Head-to-Head (Last Five Premier League Meetings)
Matches - 5
Newcastle - 0
Man United - 3
Draws - 2
Matchday 29 fixtures:
Saturday, April 1
13h30: Manchester City v Liverpool
16h00: Bournemouth v Fulham
16h00: Arsenal v Leeds United
16h00: Brighton & Hove Albion v Brentford
16h00: Crystal Palace v Leicester City
16h00: Nottingham Forest v Wolverhampton Wanderers
18h30: Chelsea v Aston Villa
Sunday, April 2
15h00: West Ham United v Southampton
17h30: Newcastle United v Manchester United
Monday, April 3
21h00: Everton v Tottenham Hotspur
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