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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Chris Watson

'Bit of complacency' - Pundits make identical Manchester United vs Newcastle prediction

Manchester United return to Premier League action on Sunday evening as they take on Newcastle United at Old Trafford.

United go into the game on the back of an impressive 4-0 victory over Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Europa League round of 32 tie.

Now they will be looking to consolidate second place in the league table when they play host to the Magpies.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's side only recently thrashed Southampton 9-0 but have also dropped vital points to the likes of Sheffield United, Arsenal, Everton and - most recently - West Bromwich Albion, who they drew 1-1 with last weekend.

Newcastle are fourth from bottom of the table and now only three points clear of the relegation zone - albeit with a game in hand - after Fulham beat the Blades 1-0 on Saturday night.

Man United v Newcastle: Premier League match preview

Steve Bruce's side have won two of their previous four matches but went down 2-0 at Chelsea last time out.

Former United and Newcastle striker Michael Owen is going for a home win at Old Trafford.

Predicting a 2-0 United victory, Owen said in his latest BetVictor column : "A little bit of complacency has crept back into the Manchester United side recently.

"Last week’s draw against West Brom was pedestrian, however, they were back at their best when swatting aside Real Sociedad 4-0 in Spain on Thursday.

"Steve Bruce has managed to get a reaction from his players following a horrid run of form at the start of the year.

"That said, this is a big test for Newcastle and it’s one I think that’s just out of their grasp at the minute. It’s 2-0 Manchester United for me."

BBC Sport pundit Mark Lawrenson agrees with Owen and also predicts a 2-0 United win.

"Newcastle are the team that everyone in the bottom three thinks they can catch - realistically they are the only other team who could still be dragged into the relegation places," said the former Liverpool defender.

"The Magpies are not playing well, and that gives the sides below them hope that if they keep going they can catch them.

"I don't see anything happening at Old Trafford to change that.

"Manchester United have had a few problems at home in breaking down teams who go there just to defend but I think Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side will find a way through.

"At the other end, I'm not convinced by Harry Maguire or Victor Lindelof as being a centre-half pairing good enough to win the title - Maguire lacks a turn of pace while Lindelof is decent but not strong enough.

"You know you can get at them but, without the injured Callum Wilson, the Magpies won't carry much of a threat."

 
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