Newcastle United vs Manchester United
Manchester United travel to St. James Park on Wednesday to take on Newcastle United looking to cement their place in the top four. With just one win from their last six away games, the Red Devils aren’t in especially good form as they look to extend Newcastle’s miserable run against them to two wins in 27 games. With no fresh injuries concerns, United’s trip to the Northeast marks the start of a tough run of fixtures which sees them face five of the top seven in their final 11 games. The Magpies on the other hand will be looking to build on their win over Aston Villa over the weekend.
Here are the three key battles that will decide the outcome of this game.
1. Moussa Sissoko vs Daley Blind
If there is one player that has been consistent throughout this topsy-turvy season for the Magpies, it is Moussa Sissoko. Although the French midfielder doesn’t feature in the top three in either goals or assists, the energy and drive he provides from midfield has been a major reason for their goals this season. If the 25-year-old continues his current form, he might just be the latest Newcastle player to leave for big money after a good season. With Sissoko not going anywhere until the end of the season, coach John Carver will be hoping that he can fire the Magpies into the top half at the end of the season.
On Wednesday, the Frenchman will be going up against arguably United’s most-consistent player this season. While players around him have swapped and changed positions, Daley Blind has been an ever-present at the base of the United midfield, recycling possession and nipping opposing attacks in the bud. Although there have been some murmurs of discontent about whether he is too passive in possession, Blind has shown that there aren’t many better in the league, when it comes to marshaling the midfield and how his battle with Sissoko pans out will be crucial in determining the outcome of this game.