A struggling Manchester United will host a red-hot Newcastle at Old Trafford in a clash between teams with great players but vastly different realities in the Premier League standings.
The Red Devils want to give their fans something to smile about after a poor semester, while the Magpies dream of moving closer to a Champions League qualification spot. The match that will close out 2024 for both teams takes place on Monday, December 30, at 3 p.m. ET.
Here is my Newcastle vs. Manchester United prediction and Premier League odds for this matchup.
Newcastle vs. Manchester United Prediction, Pick, Odds
| Newcastle Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-0.5 +142 | 2.5 -163o / 130u | +155 |
| Man U Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+0.5 -191 | 2.5 -163o / 130u | +170 |
- Newcastle vs. Manchester United moneyline odds: Newcastle +155, Draw +240, Manchester United +170
- Newcastle vs. Manchester United over/under: 2.5 Goals (Over -163, Under +130)
- Newcastle vs. Manchester United pick:Manchester United and Over 2.5 Goals
I am backing Manchester United to Win and Over 2.5 goals in the Manchester United vs. Newcastle match.
Newcastle Prediction
Newcastle comes into this game on a four-match winning streak, scoring 14 goals and conceding only one. They currently sit fifth in the Premier League, occupying a Europa League qualification spot, and have advanced to the EFL Cup semifinals, where they will face Arsenal.
Eddie Howe's squad has progressed steadily this season, establishing a dynamic formation that is particularly strong in the midfield and attack. Bruno Guimarães, Joelinton, and Sandro Tonali form one of the best midfield trios in the league, with exceptional mobility that allows them to attack and defend as a cohesive unit.
On offense, Anthony Gordon continues to shine. At just 23, he represents both the present and future of the English national team. All eyes are on Alexander Isak, currently fourth in the Premier League's top scorer rankings with 11 goals.
While injuries are less of a concern than last season, there are still some worries. Kieran Trippier remains uncertain to play after suffering a knock in the last match, and although goalkeeper Nick Pope remains sidelined, Martin Dúbravka's excellent form provides stability in goal.
Manchester United Prediction
The Ruben Amorim era seemed to be gaining momentum after an away victory in the derby against Manchester City. However, the opposite has occurred, with three consecutive defeats since then, including an EFL Cup elimination at the hands of Tottenham.
Amorim's three-center-back system, so effective at Sporting Lisbon, has left United's defense riddled with gaps. The midfield struggles to maintain possession, and the attack lacks any spark. In the Premier League, United has suffered back-to-back losses without scoring a single goal.
What hurts fans the most is the team's lack of spirit and identity—a recurring issue since the end of the golden era under Sir Alex Ferguson.
To make matters worse, United will be without Bruno Fernandes for their final match of the year. The Portuguese playmaker, one of the few players capable of delivering game-changing moments, was sent off in the loss to Wolverhampton and will serve a suspension.
Newcastle vs. Manchester United Prediction
The odds are quite even, but Newcastle is the favorite. While that team is in much better form, Manchester United is at home, and there’s an expectation that they will dig themselves out of their slump.
Notably, the Magpies have failed to win any of their last 39 matches at Old Trafford. Eddie Howe will aim to break that curse in his eighth attempt as manager of the northern side.
It's rare to see Manchester United as the underdog in their own stadium. For those willing to take a bit more risk, betting on the over could offer a better payout, considering the average goals scored in the last four matches of both teams is 3.75.
Newcastle vs. Manchester United Pick: Manchester United to Win and Over 2.5 goals
