Noisy St. James' Park, bad weather, injuries and media - everything is against Manchester United

Two old Premier League rivals are set to rekindle their animosity at St. James' Park after a turbulent week in which both the Magpies and the Red Devils drew their away games in the UEFA Champions League. Both sets of players are bruised, injured, tired - but this is one of the games where you simply cannot afford any excuses. And if your flight gets cancelled due to poor weather - just shut up and get on the bus!

Newcastle United is heading into this fixture with a strong record against Manchester United, having gone unbeaten in their last three league meetings. Their standout victory, a remarkable 3-0 win at Old Trafford in the EFL Cup earlier this season, shows their potential to challenge the Red Devils. The Magpies are eager to secure consecutive league wins over Manchester United for the first time since 1972. The Magpies seek to carve out history by aiming for three consecutive victories against Manchester United in all competitions, a feat they haven't achieved since January 1922. Their home form has been imposing, eyeing a sixth successive home win in the league. Scoring 18 Premier League goals at home this season, they've netted two more than Manchester United's total goals at home and away combined.

Eddie Howe's side has witnessed some standout performances, with Anthony Gordon displaying his prowess by contributing to six goals in his last seven Premier League matches (four goals, two assists). Meanwhile, with five goals in his previous five Premier League appearances, Alexander Isak's prolific form adds to the Magpies' attacking threat.

Manchester United are persistently in a state of crisis, but they are actually posting pretty good results recently. Their aim is to secure four consecutive league victories without conceding for the first time since 2017. Notably, they have been a force on the road, targeting their fifth successive away league win. But the 250-kilometre journey to Newcastle has been complicated by the weather. The Red Devils encountered a setback in their preparations for the Premier League match against Newcastle as their flight to the north-east was cancelled. The team was scheduled to depart from Manchester Airport at 11 am, but the flight had to be called off due to adverse weather conditions and technical issues. As a result, the squad will now undertake a three-hour coach journey to Tyneside for the game tonight. The weather forecast indicates a cold night ahead, with the possibility of snow flurries and freezing temperatures during the match at St James' Park.

Manager Erik Ten Hag may have to manage the game without seven players due to injuries, although there is a chance that Mason Mount, recovering from a calf issue, might make a return. Meanwhile, Newcastle is facing its own challenges with up to 11 players sidelined due to injuries.

Manchester United have collected 15 points from their last six Premier League matches, a tally greater than any other club. Furthermore, their 20-match run without a draw, a feat unseen since 1893-94, highlights their determined approach to secure wins.

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 14

Saturday

18:00: (1.30) Arsenal (5.80) Wolverhampton (12.0)

18:00: (1.90) Burnley (3.60) Sheffield Utd (4.50)

18:00: (1.50) Brentford (4.40) Luton (7.50)

20:30: (2.80) Nott.Forest (3.15) Everton (2.65)

23:00: (2.05) Newcastle (3.60) Man.Utd. (3.80)

Sunday

17:00: (1.28) Liverpool (6.75) Fulham (10.5)

17:00: (3.70) Bournemouth (3.50) Aston Villa (2.00)

17:00: (1.75) Chelsea (3.90) Brighton (5.00)

17:00: (2.05) West Ham (3.45) Crystal Palace (3.60)

19:30: (1.33) Man.City (5.90) Tottenham (9.50)

***odds are subject to change***