How times change - Pundits saying the same thing about Newcastle United and Manchester United

Newcastle United welcome Manchester United to St James’ Park later today - a team that have been easy prey for Eddie Howe’s men in recent times. Victory over the Red Devils this afternoon would be their third consecutive home win - while completing a first league double since 1931.

Ruben Amorim’s men sit 13th, with their focus on Champions League qualification via the Europa League. Man United drew with Lyon 2-2 in midweek and the reverse fixture takes place on Thursday.

Newcastle, on the other hand, are flying after winning the Carabao Cup and three straight Premier League games. The Magpies are on course for the Champions League the old-fashioned way should they continue their impressive form.

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But what do the experts predict? NewcastleWorld has profiled what the pundits are tipping ahead of today’s clash.

Paul Merson

“Manchester United will frustrate Newcastle but I still think the Magpies will win this game,” he wrote in his SportsKeeda column. “Even though United have shown signs of improvement under Ruben Amorim, I don’t think they have it in them to get a win here.

“The race for top four is getting tighter and tighter, meaning Newcastle cannot afford to slip up. Eddie Howe has done enough already in my opinion. Winning that cup was everything for this club. Now getting a top-five finish would be the icing on the cake and they are so nearly there as well! If they win this game and get another three points in their game in hand, I think they will finish in the top five.”

Prediction: Newcastle 2-0 Man United

Chris Sutton

“It does feel like Ruben Amorim is steadying the ship at Manchester United but there is nothing much for them to get excited about in the Premier League and it could be a pretty dull end to their domestic campaign, especially because they are finding it difficult to score goals,” he told BBC Sport. “Like Tottenham, United's season is hanging on the Europa League now, but their Premier League results still matter for Amorim because he needs to put some credit into the bank going into next season.

“I just can't see past a Newcastle win here, though. They are one of the teams in this race for the Champions League places and are in great form. Now we know the top five are guaranteed to get in, I am confident they will make it. It just shows the value of winning the Carabao Cup because it seems like it has given them a big leg up.

“They will have enjoyed themselves celebrating for a few days but now they are focused on making it into the Champions League, which is so important because of the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules. If they make it, it gives them the opportunity to build.”

Prediction: Newcastle 2-0 Man United

Mark Lawrenson

“Newcastle are playing really well and they’re scoring loads of goals,” he told Paddy Power. “That midfield looks up there with anything in the Premier League at the moment. They’ll have too much for Manchester United who, as I say every week, are still all over the shop.”

Prediction: Newcastle 2-0 Man United

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