Manchester United vs Newcastle Predictions

• There have been at least three goals scored in eight of Manchester United’s last 10 games.
• Over 2.5 goals has been a winning bet in nine of Newcastle’s last 10.
• Manchester United have just two points to show from their last three home games.

Goals the starting point in Boxing Day battle

There are a host of games taking place across England on Boxing Day but the Premier League is conspicuous by its absence.

As Boxing Day falls on a Friday this year, we have just one fixture to look forward to as Manchester United host Newcastle United but there is at least a good chance these sides can serve up some entertainment.

The hosts could draw level with Chelsea in fourth with a victory and Newcastle, who sit 11th, are also looking to push towards the European spots. Both teams are in mixed form, however, so I’m focusing on the goals markets for our main bet rather than the match result.

Both teams can contribute at Old Trafford

Both teams have scored in nine of the Red Devils’ last 10 games and they have conceded in all of those fixtures. Newcastle have the same record in terms of both teams scoring across their last 10 games in all competitions.

Backing both teams to score is one option but the slightly bigger price on over 2.5 goals looks the best angle. There have been at least three goals scored in nine of Newcastle’s last 10 games and in eight of Manchester United’s last 10.

The hosts have one of the best attacks in the division with 31 goals scored in 17 games, behind only neighbours City, and Newcastle have struck 10 goals across their last five league games. With both attacks in form and both defences looking vulnerable, these teams should be able to combine for at least three goals.

Spoils could be shared

After defeat to Arsenal at Old Trafford in the opening round of games, United have been reasonably impressive at home but their form has dipped of late. Ruben Amorim’s men have just two points to show from their last three home games, against Everton, West Ham and Bournemouth, and they may have to settle for a point against a Newcastle side who have just one defeat in their last seven.

An entertaining 2-2 stalemate has a chance, as the hosts are scoring on average just under two goals per-game and Newcastle have hit 10 goals across their last five league games.

Visiting striker Nick Woltemade should come into this game in confident mood after a brace in the 2-2 draw with Chelsea over the weekend. The Germany international has tended to impress in bursts this season as he scored in four successive games for his club through September and October, while he followed up his last league goal with an assist prior to his double against Chelsea, so he looks a contender to get on the scoresheet in Manchester.