Newcastle United renew their rivalry with Manchester United - just over a month after their Carabao Cup final meeting at Wembley.
While silverware isn’t on the line this Sunday, there’s still plenty to play for as both clubs chase down a place in the Premier League top four, and therefore secure Champions League qualification for next season.
By securing three points, Newcastle, who currently sit fifth in the table, will leapfrog their visitors into third position on goal difference. Lose however, and Erik ten Hag’s side gain breathing space.
Heading into the game, both managers have had their fair amount of injury concerns to deal with, though Howe is boosted by the likely involvement of Nick Pope, Sven Botman, Fabian Schar, Allan Saint-Maximin, Callum Wilson and Joelinton.
Ten Hag, meanwhile, is hopeful attacking duo Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial will be available for the visit to St James’ Park.
But up to nine players are expected to miss the game, with another four doubtful. Check out outs and doubts in full from both camps:
1. FILE PHOTO (EDITORS NOTE: COMPOSITE OF IMAGES - Image numbers 1429634712, 1390415478) In this composite image a comparison has been made between Erik ten Hag, Manager of Manchester United (L) and Eddie Howe, Manager of Newcastle United. Manchester United and Newcastle United meet in the Carabao Cup Final on February 26,2023 at Wembley Stadium in London, England. ***LEFT IMAGE*** MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 02: Erik ten Hag, Manager of Manchester United looks on ahead of the Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Etihad Stadium on October 02, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) ***RIGHT IMAGE*** NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - APRIL 08: Eddie Howe, Manager of Newcastle United looks on during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers at St. James Park on April 08, 2022 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag and Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
2. Tom Heaton - injured
Man United’s No.2 goalkeeper has suffered from an ankle injury and will be out for a few weeks.
3. Christian Eriksen - injured
Eriksen isn’t expected to return to action until mid-April after a crunching tackle by former Magpies striker Andy Carroll caused an ankle injury in February.
4. Donny van de Beek - injured
Van de Beek will miss the remainder of the 2022-23 campaign because of a knee injury sustained during a 3-0 victory over Bournemouth in January.