Alexander Isak & Anthony Gordon latest - Newcastle United expected starting XI vs Manchester United

Newcastle United’s push for Champions League qualification continues on Sunday when Manchester United visit St James’ Park.

Due to UEFA coefficient rules, an extra place in Europe’s top competition next season has been awarded to the Premier League. That means whoever finishes inside the top five will qualify.

As it stands, the Magpies sit fifth, level on points with fourth place Chelsea, one ahead of sixth place Manchester City and two above seventh place Aston Villa. Eddie Howe’s side have a game in-hand, which takes place against Crystal Palace on Wednesday before travelling to Villa Park next Saturday.

But a big week starts at home to the Red Devils, who are 15 points behind Newcastle in 13th.

Newcastle hope to have Anthony Gordon back available after missing the last four matches. The 24-year-old hasn’t featured for his club since receiving a straight red card in the FA Cup fifth round defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion on March 2.

Gordon served a three-match ban against West Ham United, Liverpool and Brentford before missing the 3-0 win at Leicester City on Monday night with a badly bruised thigh.

“He's had a decent week with the physios,” Newcastle assistant coach Jason Tindall revealed on Friday. “He was back out on grass for a pitch session yesterday [Thursday] so we'll assess him again today to see how he's responded to that session. And then we'll have to make a late call on whether he's available for the bench on Sunday.”

Meanwhile, Alexander Isak is set to start but his minutes will be managed next week. The Swede has been managing a groin issue in recent months.

“He’s trained the last couple days,” Tindall added. “He’s trained, and he feels fine. It’s something that we’ll assess day by day, but we’re expecting him to hopefully be available for the weekend."

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