Newcastle vs Man Utd

Manchester United will be looking for their fourth successive win under caretaker boss Ole Gunnar Solksjaer as they travel up to Newcastle United.

United beat AFC Bournemouth 4-1 on Sunday, following wins against Cardiff City and Huddersfield Town, respectively to kickstart the Norwegian's career in the dugout at Old Trafford.

Newcastle managed to grab a draw away to Watford, after losing 4-0 to Liverpool on Boxing Day before that.

These sides met earlier this season and it was a classic. Newcastle raced to an early two-goal lead at Old Trafford, but United came back to win 3-2 in typical United fashion.

Alexis Sanchez celebrating his 90th minute winner against Newcastle in October (Image via Manchester Evening News).

---

Team News

Newcastle defender Federico Fernandez will be assessed after suffering a hip injury against Watford.

Fellow defender Ciaran Clark is a doubt for the Magpies with an ankle problem.

Ki Sung-yeung is on international duty at the Asian Cup, but Jonjo Shelvey should feature after returning against the Hornets at the weekend.

Manchester United forward Alexis Sanchez has recovered from a hamstring injury, with the Chilean set to be involved for the first time since late November.

Eric Bailly is suspended after a red card against Bournemouth, with Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo still out for United.

However, some good news for the away team; Marcus Rashford should be fit despite limping off in Sunday's victory.

---

The Managers

Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez: "Someone has to win some of these game, you know it will be tough.

"The target will be at the end of January if we are out of the bottom three, then that will be good news."

Manchester United caretaker boss Ole Gunnar Solksjaer on the returning Alexis Sanchez: "He will be involved (at Newcastle), yes. He wants to play all of the time, he's one of those characters. He has not had enough fitness work but he is champing at the bit.

"I think Alexis is a player that would benefit from the interchanging, rotation and movements and, of course, more chances. If we create more chances and get the ball in the final third, he will be an asset for us."

---

Match Stats

- Newcastle's only win in the last eight meetings between the teams came at St. James' Park last season, thanks to a Matt Ritchie strike.

- Newcastle have only one win in their last seven Premier League games (against Huddersfield Town).

- The Magpies have only scored four second-half goals, the joint-fewest of any side in the division.

- Paul Pogba has been directly involved in seven goals in United's last three league games, scoring four and assisting three goals.

- Ole Gunnar Solksjaer's first competitive match in charge of a team in English football was Cardiff City's 2-1 win at Newcastle in the FA Cup third round on 4 January 2014.

---

Betting Odds

Newcastle United: 5/1

Draw: 16/5

Manchester United: 3/5