Manchester United and Newcastle United cross swords at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
The Red Devils have responded well to the derby day humiliation at the hands of Manchester City, winning three games across all competitions. The 2-1 victory at Everton last weekend came sandwiched between wins over Omonia Nicosia both home and away for Erik ten Hag’s side.
As for the visitors, Newcastle United are in form and will be looking to make it three wins on the bounce. They smashed Brentford 5-1 last time out and head to Old Trafford hoping to pull off an upset.
With the Magpies expected to give Man United a stern test, here are some of the key battles worth keeping an eye on Sunday.
#Casemiro vs Bruno Guimaraes
With Scott McTominay suspended for picking up five bookings, Casemiro will almost certainly start in midfield for Man United.
The Brazilian international has started three games on the bounce in all formats and delivered strong performances, including an assist to Ronaldo for his 700th goal in club football in the 2-1 win over Everton. While there have been momentary lapses in concentration and sloppy passes as well, Casemiro will need to step up to ensure the Red Devils dominate Newcastle.
Bruno Guimaraes has been a key performer for Newcastle, making him a certainty to start at the weekend. The central midfielder controls the game for Eddie Howe’s side, and was in rollicking form in the 5-1 win over Brentford last weekend with a brace.
Keeping Bruno’s contributions in both boxes for Newcastle in mind, Casemiro must ensure he keeps his compatriot quiet.
#Callum Wilson vs Lisandro Martinez
Newcastle have not always been quite so clinical in front of goal, but they have scored nine goals in their last two games. Even in the injury absence of Allan Saint-Maximin, Eddie Howe’s side have looked sharp and deadly in front of goal.
With three goals in five games, Callum Wilson is a man in form and expected to lead Newcastle’s attack at Old Trafford. With his hold-up play, pace and aerial threat, the England international will hope to cause Man United’s backline problems.
Standing in Wilson’s way will be Lisandro Martinez, who has quietly become United’s most reliable defender since his summer arrival from Ajax. Not only excellent with the ball, but the diminutive Argentinean is also no slouch when it comes to being aggressive and winning aerial duels against his opponents.
Thus, it promises to be an engaging battle between Wilson and Martinez.
#Allan Saint-Maximin vs Diogo Dalot
Allan Saint-Maximin’s return to full fitness as a substitute against Brentford last weekend was a big boost to Newcastle. With a week’s training under his belt, there are chances of him starting against Man United.
One of the trickiest players to deal with in the Premier League, Saint-Maximin has the qualities to make an impact for the Magpies and light up Old Trafford. With his blistering pace, dribbling skills and unpredictable movement, the French wide-man can cause all sorts of problems for the hosts’ defence.
As a result, Diogo Dalot will need to be at his best to stop Saint-Maximin from making inroads in the United half. The Portuguese has been one of the most improved players under Ten Hag, impressing with his work rate, energy and combination play down the right with Antony.
However, Dalot’s defensive skills will be under the scanner at the weekend against a flashy Saint-Maximin, making this battle one to keep an eye on.
#Marcus Rashford vs Kieran Trippier
As Anthony Martial is a big doubt, Cristiano Ronaldo looks a certainty to lead the Man United attack with Marcus Rashford and Antony operating from the wide areas.
Rashford has been one of United’s biggest positives this term, rejuvenated within Ten Hag’s system and thriving due to the confidence shown in him. He is a player in good form, more than capable of giving the Newcastle defenders a headache throughout the game on Sunday.
That said, the onus of keeping the Man United forward under check will be on Kieran Trippier. One of the most experienced players in the squad, Trippier has been a vital part of Newcastle’s rise under Howe. Not only is he defensively sound but also impactful going forward.
So, it will be intriguing to watch what plan Trippier has up his sleeves to stop Rashford.
