Manchester United head to St James’ Park on Sunday with momentum and revenge on their minds.
Ruben Amorim’s men are preparing for a defining stretch of the season as they fight for European silverware.
The Red Devils drew against City rivals over the weekend and will be hoping to get the win over Lyon on Thursday night in the Europa League as the dressing rooms confidence is steadily growing under their new manager.
Despite a recent upturn in form for the hosts, history still favours United when it matters most.
And ahead of this weekend’s showdown, Newcastle United have suffered a fresh wave of injuries that could tilt the balance in favour of the visitors.
The Magpies are already without multiple key players, and manager Eddie Howe has confirmed the latest addition to the growing list of absentees is midfielder Joe Willock, who has been ruled out due to concussion.
Willock picked up a head injury in the closing minutes of their clash against Brentford and subsequently missed the win over Leicester City.
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Premier League concussion protocols state that players must rest for at least 12 days unless exceptional criteria are met, which in Willock’s case, they were not.
He now joins a sidelined group that includes Sven Botman (knee), Jamaal Lascelles (knee), and Lewis Hall (foot), all of whom are unavailable for the weekend.
There is also concern over Anthony Gordon, who remains a doubt with a groin issue and will be assessed ahead of kick-off.
Newcastle United are hopeful that striker Alexander Isak, who was subbed off against Leicester amid fitness concerns, will be fully fit to feature on Sunday.
Eddie Howe stated, “I think he’s 100% fit, I wouldn’t have taken any risk with him tonight if he wasn’t.”
The Tyneside club has won four of their last five encounters with United, a stark contrast to their record between 2001 and 2023 when they claimed just four wins in 40 attempts.
But with injuries mounting, this could be Manchester United’s best chance yet to turn the tide at St James’ Park.
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Source: Centred Devils