Newcastle United host an in-form Manchester United hoping to end a run of three straight Premier League defeats at St James’ Park.
St James’ Park has often been a fortress under Eddie Howe, but their recent home form is one of many disappointments in what is turning into a bad Premier League season for the Magpies.
While there has been success in cups, with a FA Cup fifth round tie at home to Manchester City and two-legged last 16 Champions League tie against Barcelona to look forward to, Newcastle have rarely got going in the league.
Heading into the final 10 matches of the campaign, Newcastle’s hopes of qualifying for Europe are hanging by a thread as they sit 12 points behind the top five and eight points below seventh.
When Wallsend-born Michael Carrick took interim charge of Man United in January, the two teams were level on points. Now the Red Devils are 15 points clear with Carrick winning six and drawing one of his seven games in charge.
But Newcastle have had Man United’s number on Tyneside of late, and they will hope that continues tonight.
Jacob Ramsey is expected to be available despite being forced off at half-time during Saturday’s defeat to Everton through illness, but the same bug could prevent Nick Woltemade from featuring.
Here’s how Newcastle United are predicted to line-up:
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1. GK: Nick Pope
Pope’s mistake against Everton is one of several high-profile errors he’s made this campaign, but Howe has always stayed loyal to his number one. | Getty Images
2. RB: Kieran Trippier
Tino Livramento is close to a return but until he does, Trippier is the only senior option at right-back with Lewis Miley also still sidelined. | Getty Images
3. CB: Malick Thiaw
Of Newcastle’s summer signings, Thiaw has been the most impressive, which probably explains the loose links to Manchester United. | Getty Images
4. CB: Dan Burn
Burn or Sven Botman? It’s a decision Howe will have to make should he stick with four at the back. | Getty Images