Newcastle have lost their last four games in all competitions 1-0 and are two points adrift below the relegation zone.
January brings added distractions. Jonjo Shelvey at Swansea will have a medical today, and they’re desperately bidding for players to add to their ranks, namely Andre Gray at Burnley and Saido Berahino at West Bromwich Albion. In fact, they’re playing well; but are utterly toothless. They’re heading towards a proper humiliation at some point, but it won’t be tonight.
Manchester United are quite dull to watch at the moment and overly cautious with their selections. Bastian Schweinsteiger has a knee problem and Morgan Schneiderlin is exhausted, which might make LvG pick a slightly more adventurous team. They’ve won all their games in 2016 (two…) but still look like a team in crisis. Only lost once at St James’ Park since 2001.
It’s not easy to find value in this game, but Ladbrokes are offering 2.88 for Manchester United to score in each half.