3 Key Battles (Newcastle United vs Manchester United): Moussa Sissoko vs Daley Blind And More

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.

2. Papiss Cisse vs Wayne Rooney

For all the talk of bad form and fractious relationship with Alan Pardew, Papiss Cisse has still scored 11 league goals, which is more than what any of United’s strikers. His goalscoring record is all the more impressive, when you consider that he has started just nine league games this season. Amidst all the controversy surrounding his and Newcastle’s form early in the season, the Senegalese striker has continued to do what he does best, score goals. And the Magpies will certainly need him to do that as they take on the Premier League’s third-best defence.

At the other end, Wayne Rooney will be tasked with the responsibility of scoring the goals for United, which he has certianly done since his switch back to a more traditional role, up front. While the Englishman can certianly do a solid job in central midfield, his attacking threat is non-existent in that position and injuries have finally forced Van Gaal’s hand. So far at least, it has been a blessing in disguise as the striker has got his goal scoring mojo back and will be looking to leapfrog Robin Van Persie as the side’s leading goalscorer with a goal on Wednesday.

3. Daryl Janmaat vs Ashley Young

If you had told any United supporter that Ashley Young would be missed at the start of the season, they would have laughed off the suggestion. But such has been the English winger’s revival under Van Gaal that his return from injury has been important as the Red Devils look to finish in the top four. Playing on the left flank, Young has shown considerable maturity and versatility as he has played as a left back, left wing back and as an orthodox winger, all in the space of a few months. Although United haven’t made the most of his crosses in the past few games, it will once again prove to be vital against the Magpies.

The player tasked with the responsibility of marking the Englishman will be Newcastle’s signing of the summer, Daryl Janmaat. The Dutch full back has been a revelation in his first season in England and has taken to English football like a duck to water. He has not only been a solid defensive presence, but with six assists, he is also the club’s leading assist maker. His Man of the Match awards are a testament to how good he has been this season and the Magpies will be hoping that he can handle the threat posed by Young on the right flank.