Erik ten Hag to welcome big names back for Manchester meeting with Newcastle
Manchester United welcome Newcastle to Old Trafford for Wednesday evening’s 8:00 PM BST penultimate Premier League fixture.
With the visitors currently occupying sixth position – three points above eighth-place United, the result could supply significant ramifications towards European qualification.
Eddie Howe’s men are enjoying a good run of form, having collected seven points from the last nine on offer. In contrast, Erik ten Hag’s side have endured back-to-back defeats.
Team news
United have received welcome news that fan-favourite Lisandro Martínez looks set to make his return to the match-day squad.
“Licha Martinez, I think he will return in the squad,” Ten Hag told media ahead of the fixture. “He has now [had] some sessions with us, and we plan for him to be available.”
Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Willy Kambwala are all in contention, with the Dutchman not offering clarification on the trio.
Raphael Varane will not be in the squad, although he will be present to say goodbye to the Old Trafford faithful ahead of his summer departure.
Howe is sweating over his attacking options
Newcastle are waiting on late fitness reports for Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson, while Nick Pope could make his long-awaited return in goal.
Fabian Schar is listed as uncertain, while dangerous full-back Kieran Trippier will likely feature.
Key information ahead of kickoff
While form may be an issue for the Reds, the Magpies have only won once in 28 Premier League visits to Old Trafford – a David Moyes-inspired victory in 2013.
United have tasted defeat against the visitors twice this season and will aim to avoid a third. Chelsea were the last side to manage that feat eleven years ago.
History bodes well for United – having lost their final home league fixture a solitary time in 16 seasons.
European ramifications
With two games remaining before the FA Cup showpiece against Manchester City, the race for European qualification is far from clear.
Should Ten Hag’s outfit lift the FA Cup and finish sixth in the table, the reward will be a Europa League place in 2024/25 alongside the team in fifth – with the side in seventh heading to the Europa Conference League.
If United were to finish seventh or eighth in the table and taste FA Cup success, the team in fifth would join United in the Europa League, with the team finishing sixth then moving to the Europa Conference League.
However, if City lifts the FA Cup, sixth place in the Premier League will qualify for the Europa League, with seventh placing in the Conference League.
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