Newcastle United face another stern test on Monday when Manchester United make the journey to St James' Park.
Although an outbreak of Covid-19 prevented Manchester United's last two matches taking place, their meeting with Newcastle, as it stands, will go ahead on 27 December.
The Magpies have won just once in the Premier League this season and have suffered defeats to Leicester City, Liverpool and Manchester City since clinching their first victory of the campaign against Burnley.
Here is a round-up of pundit predictions for the clash between the Magpies and the Red Devils.
Michael Owen - Bet Victor
This fixture is of significance to Owen, who represented both clubs during his decorated playing career.
He has tipped Manchester United to prevail, predicting that Newcastle will score but claiming he does not trust the Magpies defensively.
Writing for BetVictor, he said: "This is one of my favourite fixtures and St James’ Park will be noisy for this one. Newcastle continue to struggle, mainly at the back. I’ve said all season that I don’t worry about the goals in this side, Callum Wilson is a natural goal scorer, but they need to improve defensively. They’ve been in a difficult run of fixtures though, and things will get easier from now.
"I’m very interested to see how Manchester United perform. There’s been some signs of change from the new boss in terms of pressing and how he wants them to play. He’s had some time with the squad to get more of his ideas across and it will be fascinating to see how they play.
"With the home fans behind them, I can see Newcastle scoring. I don’t trust them at the back though and (Manchester) United will score a couple of their own."
Prediction: Newcastle United 1-2 Manchester United
Mark Lawrenson - BBC
Lawrenson is also anticipating a Newcastle defeat on home turf.
He has pointed to the defensive fragility shown in defeats to Liverpool and Manchester City and predicted a similar story.
Writing for his BBC Sport prediction column, he said: "I do think this game will end in another defeat for the Magpies too. Yes, they were competitive at Anfield, and they also had a big decision go against them against Manchester City, but the facts are they were just not good enough defensively to get anything out of either game.
"I'm expecting a similar story here. Manchester United have had a couple of weeks off since their last game because of a Covid-19 outbreak, but their training ground reopened this week and Ralph Rangnick will have been working them hard. They will be going to St James' Park to win."
Prediction: Newcastle United 0-2 Manchester United
Paul Merson - Sportskeeda
Former Arsenal icon Merson is more optimistic about Newcastle's chances and has tipped the Magpies to pick up a point against Ralph Rangnick's men.
He has insisted it will be a 'hard game' for Manchester United, who will be greeted by a noisy home crowd in the North East.
Writing for Sportskeeda, he said: "These big games are coming thick and fast for Newcastle, aren’t they? I thought they showed some good signs last week, but you can’t give away a goal like that so early against Manchester City. Newcastle haven’t been all that bad and managed to give a good account of themselves against Liverpool.
"Manchester United did show signs of vulnerability against Norwich last week. We’re going to see a loud Christmas crowd and a packed St. James’ Park this weekend – this will be a hard game for Manchester United."
Prediction: Newcastle United 1-1 Manchester United
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