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Manchester United Vs Newcastle United: Previewing our Boxing Day Bash
11 Plays1 month ago
Boxing Day football — but not as we know it.
In this special festive preview, Michael Grahamslaw is joined by Iain to break down the only Premier League fixture on Boxing Day: Manchester United vs Newcastle United at Old Trafford.
From a Newcastle United perspective, we cover everything you need ahead of kick-off, including:
- The context and stakes of a standalone Boxing Day showdown
- Newcastle’s injury-hit defence and likely line-up
- Lewis Miley filling in at right-back
- The Nick Pope vs Aaron Ramsdale debate
- Manchester United’s key absences, including Bruno Fernandes
- Why this game feels destined for goals and chaos
- Where Newcastle can hurt United
- Recent head-to-head confidence at Old Trafford
- Score predictions and man of the match picks
With both sides capable of scoring but struggling defensively, this feels like one of those games that tells us a lot about where Newcastle United really are.
🎙️ Get involved: drop your score predictions and let us know if you believe Newcastle can make it another memorable night at Old Trafford.
⚫⚪ Follow The Daily Newcastle on Spotify and across social media
🎄 Hope you’ve had a belter Christmas — turrah!
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Transcript
Boxing Day Football Excitement
00:00:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello and welcome back to the Daily Newcastle podcast and it is nothing, nothing better than Boxing Day football. But it is not as we know it, just the one Premier League fixture this year. But of course, Newcastle United have featured the late night kickoff at Old Trafford. It's Manchester United versus Newcastle United. I would love it if we beat them, but to cut through all of that bull and drama,
00:00:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
And get down to the nitty gritty with me. It's Ian McKay. are you doing, Ian?
00:00:33
Iain
I'm doing good Michael I'm very glad to leap in at the last minute and talk about this game I was already looking forward to reviewing it on the 27th but yeah uh but yeah ah More than happy to join in and to save the world from yet another Grameslaw solo.
00:00:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Not all heroes wear capes, mate, but I would love it if you did.
Significance of the Match for League Positions
00:00:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
there's But there's plenty riding on this for both clubs. League positions both want to see improved momentum going in coming out of Christmas and morale because both teams are coming off slightly disappointing results against good competition. But before we get tactical, how are you feeling about this one? is it Does it feel like a big opportunity for Newcastle? Want to get over on Manchester United and get level on points?
00:01:18
Iain
Yes, I think if we'd beaten Chelsea, I probably would be happy with drawing with Manchester United. But the fact that we dropped two points there, I really think that we need three of them to move us through the table.
00:01:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Agreed.
00:01:30
Iain
I know that draw lifted us up to 11th. We did gain a place, but we want to get up to 6th and 7th and start really putting some pressure on these teams. Because I do think still... We are still in a position where a win here sets us up lovely for a quite a benign-looking run of games, if we can hit some consistent form...................
00:01:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
There was a pod I just recorded with Kev just beforehand and he spoke about exactly those games and he made the prediction that after the Leeds game, we'd be in those European places. Do you agree with that?
00:02:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Because he mentioned it and I went, you know what? I can't argue against it.
00:02:08
Iain
Well, the thing is, the whole of the Premier League, top three sides aside, is very inconsistent. They're all
Upcoming Matches and European Prospects
00:02:14
Iain
taking points off each other.
00:02:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes.
00:02:15
Iain
They win, lose, win, draw, win, lose. And if we could put four or five wins together, and these are the sort of matches, well, we've got Wolves and Burnley are the two away games. and Was it Leeds, Crystal Palace at home?
00:02:30
Iain
Yeah.
00:02:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Burnley, Crystal Palace leads you all at home.
00:02:34
Iain
just take those Just take those um four games and this one, 15 points out of 15 there, that' that's going to put us definitely up fourth, fifth. But if Arsenal or Villa um start dropping any points, we could get among the them.
00:02:54
Iain
Because to be fair, you know Arsenal are so consistent and yet I can't remember whether they won away from home On their last game. Can't remember what their last game was.
00:03:06
Iain
But before that, all they hadn't won in their last the ham won and they lost three away games.
00:03:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
They did win the last game.
00:03:12
Iain
So they've drawn three away from home recently, which means they've dropped six points.
00:03:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:03:16
Iain
So a good run of form from any team, I think all the bets are on. Because City look like they are capable of just winning week after week.
00:03:29
Iain
And we've seen that so many times. But I do...
00:03:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:03:32
Iain
I do love the traditional Arsenal. They're like the Christmas decorations, aren't they? They start coming down after January the 6th.
00:03:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Peak too early. Yeah,
00:03:44
Iain
So we'll see. We'll see. I'd love to see them wobble.
00:03:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
100%. Yeah, completely agree. Just to correct myself there as well, I said the Burnley game was at home. That one's away. The other two are at home. But you mentioned Arsenal there as well. I hadn't even clocked about their away form thinking about it. They drew a away to Sunderland, then drew away to Chelsea and then lost a away to Aston Villa. So away form is almost starting to sound like Newcastle United-esque.
00:04:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
um it's that bad but this game back to sort of um Old Trafford, Man United standalone fixture let's be honest whenever the two play it's all anybody can think about even during the Christmas week um and at the minute the two teams are pretty evenly matched in the league, Man United are 7th Newcastle 11th, would you say that's kind of where Newcastle's squad is at the moment on par with Man United or do you think squad wise we should be higher or Maybe even lower.
00:04:39
Iain
i am I don't think we've had the rub of the green, Michael, to be honest. i know we've turned into poor performances, but to keep conceding in the last couple of minutes, um to not be awarded penalties that would have reversed the flow of the game afterwards, for example, um I think we're top of the league, aren't we, for throwing away
00:04:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
We haven't.
00:04:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
Squad Depth and Injury Impacts
00:05:01
Iain
13 points when we've been in a winning position.
00:05:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Joint with Brentford, yeah.
00:05:03
Iain
um i don't think, I think, I still think we're in a false position because I think we've got a much stronger squad than a lot of of the teams ahead of us.
00:05:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
Absolutely.
00:05:12
Iain
Manchester United have been much, much better this year, but that is a Manchester United that has Bruno Fernandes commanding the midfield and Brian Mbwemo running riot down the right, and neither of those are available to play.
00:05:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:05:26
Iain
So I've I'm very hopeful. I'm always very hopeful. I'm a happy clapper. But I do think that, I do think Newcastle have got a stronger squad, more strength in depth.
00:05:37
Iain
um
00:05:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mm-hmm.
00:05:38
Iain
And I think, I think we've, I think we've got our players available. Most of our players available when they haven't, but I'm sure we'll get onto that.
00:05:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, the back line for Newcastle is the only place where realistically you do see a few injuries.
00:05:49
Iain
Okay.
00:05:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
But ah you mentioned squadronth and depth there for Man United. Absolutely. like Some of the players, they obviously Ardenhaven, he has to to start for Manchester United at the back line.
00:06:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
And you look at their... You look at their substitutes, the only ones you really recognise if you're not familiar with their their academy is Buendia, the goalkeeper, Tom Heaton, the other goalkeeper, Tyrell Malassia, who everyone thought went missing last year.
00:06:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think was people were pretty close to putting out missing person requests about him. They were that worried.
00:06:23
Iain
I thought, had he not got sold, or were they just talking about that, I didn't even know he was still there.
00:06:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
They were just talking about it. No, no. And then you have Lissandro Martinez, who's going to start very likely in the place of Bruno Fernandes and Joshua Xerxes. So they're really, really at bare bones.
00:06:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
And that injury to Bruno Fernandes is only going to make it worse. And you mentioned there, obviously, Newcastle's strength and depth is a little bit better than Man United at the moment. Not many times we've been able to say that this season.
00:06:51
Iain
no
00:06:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
So... just You mentioned just before there as well, the the drop of points, Newcastle. ah you know We drop points again against Chelsea. Does it almost sting more and more after every single game because we see it again and again and again? like The Chelsea 2-2, going being 2-0 up and finishing 2-2, it would always hurt. But the fact that we've seen it so many times this season, is it just getting more and more annoying and stinging more and more just because it keeps happening?
Newcastle's Performance Against Top Teams
00:07:22
Iain
Well, the Tottenham one was unnecessary, for sure.
00:07:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
It was.
00:07:27
Iain
That was such a soft goal. um And that was disappointing. I felt on the Chelsea when we were... I thought Chelsea were excellent in the second half. But ah i don't think we I don't think our performance dropped off that much. I think we still had better chances.
00:07:43
Iain
And with... a I mean, we had a fantastic shout for a penalty, which everybody else, even the Sunderland fans I've talked to, say is definitely a penalty.
00:07:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Agreed.
00:07:52
Iain
I don't know how it's not given us a penalty.
00:07:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:07:54
Iain
I've watched it so many times. um That puts us 3-1 and takes the wind out of their sails, which... rather than having conceded a goal to deflate us slightly and then have a certain penalty turned down to deflate us even more, which I think allows them to come to 2-2.
00:08:12
Iain
We then make our subs and then start, I think, having at least better chances than and Chelsea. That didn't feel the same. um And a heartbreak against Liverpool, heartbreak against Arsenal, but you're kind of...
00:08:28
Iain
expect that sort of thing against those sort of teams.
00:08:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
You can understand it. Yeah.
00:08:32
Iain
ah It's just, you know, we conceded a goal against Arsenal. Wow. um But it just happened to be in the sixth minute of injury time. That's what the sting was, not the fact that Arsenal managed to beat us because Arsenal are a wonderful team.
00:08:45
Iain
So I, yeah, I don't know. People talking about it puts it in the heads of the players. What they should be talking about really now, what Eddie will be talking about is against stare Sunderland, Fulham and Chelsea, we haven't conceded a goal at the end.
00:09:05
Iain
We haven't conceded a goal at the end from a set piece.
00:09:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:09:08
Iain
So, you know, this is, we're talking about what we're going to do on Boxing Day.
00:09:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Three in a row.
00:09:15
Iain
am I don't think it's relevant what we did back in October and November, really, as long as it's not playing on everybody's mind.
00:09:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. It's a fair point.
00:09:23
Iain
And the other thing you said about us being depleted in defence, we are, except we've got a really, really good defence going out.
00:09:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
But not for long.
00:09:32
Iain
Sharon Chow, we've said several times, is our first choice centre-back pairing.
00:09:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:09:37
Iain
Lewis Hall back on the left wing, he's head and shoulders above anybody else that can play there. And we've discovered the Geordie Maldini. So that is a super strong defence.
00:09:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
Joe Cole, eat your heart out.
00:09:50
Iain
That is a super strong defence that we're putting out.
00:09:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah
00:09:53
Iain
If we need to, if we need to, I'm confident on Alex Murphy coming in and taking them the last 20 minutes if we need to to save Hall.
00:09:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
It is.
00:10:03
Iain
um Jacob Murphy can drop back and fill in at right back if we need to save Miley. I think we can improvise around with the players that are fit. ah Certainly when we can get an hour out of the the best off defence that we could put out, I think.
00:10:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, 100%.
00:10:20
Iain
Arguably, unless unless Tino is better than Miley.
00:10:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mm-hmm.
00:10:22
Iain
But I think Miley's shown such control and such maturity that he might be a better right back than Livermento in the long run. So, yeah, um
00:10:35
Iain
we've got our best defence out, which is nice. If we've got Bruno and Tonali and Ramsey runs for an hour and then is replaced by a fit-again Joe Linton,
00:10:48
Iain
with Wisser and Volta Marder and Gordon and Murphy, with Barnes
Rising Stars in Newcastle's Defense
00:10:52
Iain
to come on. We've got weve nearly full strength. I mean, I know we're not. You could argue Bottman would get into the team, but I don't know if he would.
00:10:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah yeah
00:11:00
Iain
um But we've got, going forward, where we've got the we've got the full range of who we'd like to have, haven't we?
00:11:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, 100%. I think it's it's one of those where, the for Newcastle, the only real negative is that all of those injuries seem to be coming in the same positions. So when you were looking at it, Dan Burns, Kieran Trippier, Sven Bottman, Jamal LaSelles, Jamal LaSelles before Tino Livermanto, I'm not sure why I've gone that route, But Tino Livermanto, Emile Kraft, at the back, you're looking and going, that's six injuries. Usually for any club, that causes a lot of issues. I mean, for Man United, they've got two and having to start their academy players. um So it it is a bit of a worrying one. But as you say there, Lewis Miley, the Jordy Maldini.
00:11:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
as he was referred to by um Joe Cole. I mean, jokingly for one moment, but you can't say something like that and it won't stick. Filling in at right back. But just to go in on Miley again, obviously, you' you've been his biggest advocate for a long, long time. um And rightfully so, to be honest. How impressed have you been with him filling in at fullback? Because he is so good, isn't he?
00:12:10
Iain
Well, there was one game where he had to go and assist Liveramento. I can't remember who it was when he went across to fill in.
00:12:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah.
00:12:19
Iain
It might have been one of the European games. um But he did look he did look like he knew what he was doing there. And Liveramento and him worked their way out of that corner many, many times. I thought that looked good.
00:12:30
Iain
I like the way he he wins so many duels. he's He's winning nine and ten duels in each game, which is bonkers really but I've been really impressed with how calm and cool he is our other fullbacks Lewis Hall accepted are prone to whack a ball when it's come up the line and straight out of play and hand ball back to the opposition on the halfway line.
00:12:56
Iain
lo I've never seen Lewis Miley do that.
00:12:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:12:58
Iain
I've seen him put his foot on it. I've seen him turn away and have a look up and wait for somebody to come and make themselves available so we can retain possession and work the ball away from the defence, which actually is what your elite full-backs do.
00:13:12
Iain
So I've been really impressed with Lewis Smiley.
00:13:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. and
00:13:15
Iain
He's so cool. He's got such a lot of nous that he's probably picked up from Tonali and Bruno about putting his body between the ball. he's He's bought a foul or two um and he doesn't give away many free kicks.
00:13:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, not at all.
00:13:30
Iain
The only free kick he gave away on Saturday shouldn't have been a free kick. um So I've been very impressed with him. And yeah, I have been his advocate partly because everyone loves a Roy of the Rovers story.
00:13:41
Iain
and But i I thought he was really good. Do you remember he one of his early games, he put a fantastic ball through, i think was against Ipswich, was it, for Isaac to score?
00:13:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Maybe. Isaac. Yeah.
00:13:53
Iain
And he threaded it threaded it through. and you just think, well, if you can see that. There was another one where we lost. We ended up losing to AC Milan in the Champions League, where he got the ball and he just laid it off to the side for Joe Linton to score a fabulous shot.
00:14:11
Iain
But that was, you'd think the young lad at 17 is going to have a whack on that.
00:14:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, i remember. Great call.
00:14:15
Iain
But he was aware enough to know that I'm just going to keep this rolling for Joe Linton to run onto it. And he scored a great goal.
00:14:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, the compulsion.
00:14:21
Iain
So i've ever since he's got into the team, I've been really impressed with him. I really wanted to have more time last year. But, you know, we did quite well last year. He did get on as a sub and he was injured.
00:14:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mm-hmm.
00:14:34
Iain
But since he's come back into the team, got over this injury, I i think he must be first name on the team sheet. When Leverimento comes back, he might be getting written into the midfield as quickly as Bruno and Tonali ah and or Ramsey.
00:14:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, absolutely.
00:14:51
Iain
I think he's worked his way past Joe Linton in my head to start.
00:14:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I think for me, he's got to be that third central midfielder once everyone's fit. um He's shown something that I've not really seen too much. And that's from Bruno, that's Tenale.
00:15:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
And that, as you say, is that control and that um but sort of composure on the ball. Tenale, he always looks like he's rushing, but he's rushing in the most elegant way possible.
00:15:20
Iain
Hmm.
00:15:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
And then Bruno, it's one of those where he wins fouls so well, he does give away a few odd ones. but You can really see the emphasis that both Bruno and Tonali have had on Miley, as you were saying. And yeah, I think he's one of the first names on the team sheet at the minute, just with the form he's in as well. We'll talk a bit more about team news in just a moment.
00:15:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
But for now, we're going to go to the advert from a Bionic.
00:16:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Absolutely fantastic.
Goalkeeper Debate: Ramsdale vs. Pope
00:16:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
So Eddie Howe did his press conference earlier today and there is some pretty positive news that Nick Pope may be back in training. Now depending on you who you ask, that's positive. Depending on who you ask, it might not be. um But I want to get where you sit on the current Ramsdale vs Pope debate. Who is your preference in goal at the moment for Newcastle United?
00:16:52
Iain
Aaron Ramsdale. For sure.
00:16:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
Okay, why is that?
00:16:56
Iain
Because when Ramsdale plays and the ball is played back to him and he's 10 yards outside his box and you're waiting for him to ping it out to Murphy or play it through the lines to Tonali on the centre circle and it actually reaches.
00:17:13
Iain
um i think the advantages that gives Newcastle because they're playing 10 yards further up the pitch, 15 yards further up the pitch, outweigh the
00:17:24
Iain
less save percentage that he's got compared to Nick Pope.
00:17:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
you
00:17:29
Iain
I think the save percentages are skewed because he hasn't really played that many games. Um, I don't think he's made any complete howlers, personally. I don't think he could have done much with that free kick.
00:17:44
Iain
but you know at In hindsight, if he took half a step to his right, he might have got down to that. But that was a fantastic free kick against Chelsea. um I don't think he could have been blamed for Volta Marder's own goal header in the derby.
00:17:58
Iain
I mean, he almost got to it.
00:17:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, definitely not that one, no.
00:18:00
Iain
He almost got to it. um I don't know whether he can be blamed for one that goes in off Bruno's backside. um So, you know, the whole of the defence can be blamed for for working in slow motion for that awful overhead shin by Romero in the Tottenham game.
00:18:19
Iain
So I don't think he's made too many howlers. um he hasn't had He hasn't had a chance to make as many saves as Pope has against your leads and Burnley and Fulham and all the rest of them. um You know,
00:18:36
Iain
Pope's save percentage is just high because he played in three nil-nils in the first three away games. and
00:18:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
True, true.
00:18:43
Iain
So it's skewed. It's skewed by low numbers. I don't think he's any worse than Pope is at stopping shots. And ah maybe you lose something on him claiming the ball at crosses because he's not as tall.
00:18:54
Iain
But he did come and claim a few against Chelsea. um
00:18:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
It did.
00:18:59
Iain
i think the advantages you get for having him as a sweeper keeper and us basically... Retaining possession of the ball as we turn and go forward in the opposition half is a huge advantage, massive advantage. It outweighs anything else.
00:19:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I think it is one of those where you look at sort of what the both of them bring and Newcastle United are a better side overall with Aaron Ramsdale in there. I think the negative, as you mentioned, is the safe percentage.
00:19:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
um When you look at sort of the statistics, um Nick Pope has somehow prevented... ah more than he should have let in, if that makes sense. So we should have let in one more goal than what we have with Nick Pope in, although I seem to remember about 10 occasions where we've let in.
00:19:39
Iain
Thank you.
00:19:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
The ball's gone in the back of the net and I've gone... How's Pope not safe that? and While Ramsdale is the other way. Apparently we've conceded one extra. But as you say, there have been so many sort of freak goals where, and there isn't exactly a lot to go off for Aaron Ramsdale. He's only conceded the nine, but I think he's only played six games or something like that, six 90s in the league. So it's one of those where definitely, if you look through the vision test, Aaron Ramsdale is the better option, I think. and But having both there,
00:20:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm hoping there's enough to spur them on to do even better, like we had with Wilson and Isaac when Isaac was just coming through.
00:20:23
Iain
here
00:20:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Because Pope's a better shot stopper, I think, in my opinion. But Ramsdale is so much better. He's more accustomed to our style. I think we need someone a little bit.
00:20:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
We do need someone different in the end. But for now, it's Rambo, isn't it?
00:20:38
Iain
it's all it's almost It's almost like last year when... um
00:20:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Dubrovka.
00:20:44
Iain
Dubravka came in. Our results suddenly started picking up.
00:20:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:20:48
Iain
I don't think that's because Dubravka is any better a shot stopper, although he was a good shot stopper. Very good. um I think it was because he's better with his feet.
00:20:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
He was. Yes.
00:20:56
Iain
I think his distribution was much better. And I think our results picked up.
00:21:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
I agree.
00:21:01
Iain
He's the unluckiest man in the world to sit on the bench and watch him himself win two winner's medals without playing a moment's football. um Because that was harsh to replace him with Pope in the final season.
00:21:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:21:14
Iain
But yeah, i I just think that that's the sort of goalie we need. Whether Ramsdale is the long-term solution, I'm not sure. It depends who else is available, doesn't it? Because there are a lot of goalkeepers a lot of goalkeepers in the Premier League you could buy who I wouldn't swap Ramsdale for.
00:21:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
100%, yeah. Sure.
00:21:32
Iain
I think if Ramsdale continues in the first team, he's he's Pickford's understudy at the World Cup.
00:21:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's a big shout. That is a big shout. I definitely want to see him play for us a lot more. um And I think there is that potential there. I just need i need more saves, like what I saw, the netto effort against Chelsea, where it's one that could potentially go in.
00:21:53
Iain
Okay.
00:21:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
It isn't exactly straight Adam, it's a good save. I feel like I need to see a few more of those. And For me, the only other thing is ah there's been a quite a few goals where it's slowly gone into the back of the net.
00:22:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Like if you remember the handball against Chelsea, the Pedro Neto, it literally heads it down, it bounces off his arm and it's the slowest bounce ever and it trickles in.
00:22:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
And that's that's the only thing that is, same with Romero's overhead kick. They're the only things that are really stuck in my mind.
00:22:23
Iain
We could see, Michael, we could see from up in the family section of Delisa's corner, and it was at the other end, we could see that was a handball from sitting up there. So he must have seen it in his hand. i don't know why he's going to bust a gut to put it out.
00:22:40
Iain
He would have known it was going to be a handball.
00:22:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
You've still got to try and stop it.
00:22:43
Iain
i figure went down I think he went down in slow motion for that Romero shot.
00:22:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
And he did.
00:22:48
Iain
But he's made some good saves. He has made some good saves. Same as Pope has made some really good saves. But i remember that the goals at West Ham.
00:22:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
True.
00:22:57
Iain
All three, Pope could have done much better with.
00:22:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:23:00
Iain
Yeah.
00:23:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Brentford as well. Yeah.
00:23:01
Iain
yeah
00:23:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, I'll talk about our hosts for a little while, obviously not too much. But Man United aren't exactly at full strength either.
Opportunities Against Manchester United Due to Key Absences
00:23:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
And Newcastle, on the whole of it, are actually in a bit better of a position because Man United are without Harry Maguire and Matthias De Ligt.
00:23:15
Iain
Thank you.
00:23:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
I've started with the positives for them. Bruno Fernandes is set to miss out with a hamstring injury that was picked up against Aston Villa. And AFCON has taken Brian Mbwemo, Ahmed Diallo and Nasser Mazurawi away from the side, which I'm not going lie, when you look at those names missing,
00:23:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
you start to think Newcastle, this is looking more and more like ah you have to get a result. Would you would you say that? it Not a three points, but you need a result no matter what.
00:23:46
Iain
i both what i think I think with those guys missing, we should be at we should be expecting three points. We've beaten them five of the last six games we've played them since since they beat us in the Carabao Cup.
00:24:01
Iain
And remember, we had great expectations of being able to do them in the Carabao Cup.
00:24:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yep.
00:24:06
Iain
We just rose a little bit on the day. So we won five out of six. The game that we lost feels a little bit like this game where we're expecting to win...
00:24:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:24:17
Iain
And I think we lost 3-2, didn't we? And they had, ah think that was, that was that an Ahmed-inspired victory?
00:24:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes, we did.
00:24:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
it was.
00:24:26
Iain
Somebody scored.
00:24:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Ahmad was really good that day. He got the second goal, Manu got the first, and then Rasmus Hojland sort of finished us off, which was embarrassing.
00:24:28
Iain
Yeah.
00:24:35
Iain
So it does feel a little bit like that.
00:24:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:24:37
Iain
i mean, we should see Kobe. that Kobe Mayne might be playing. He's a good player that hasn't been getting much time. But I tell you what, if Man U don't play him to play against us, Eddie should be on the phone to try and get him to come to play at Newcastle because I think he is he's he can play anywhere in the midfield.
00:24:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:24:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
Absolutely. I think if it's one of those where we were sort of looking at who might go, Willick is probably one of the first names out the door. I think, unfortunately, you've got to replace him. Bringing in a Kobe Maynou, that is a player that really makes a statement because for another side, maybe not a Ruben Amarum player, but for another side, he would light this league apart, I think. And i'll I'm really, really glad that I don't think he's going start against us. because he is a great player. um But on the Newcastle side, obviously they've got a lot of injuries.
00:25:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
From us, our perspective, do you think that we're going to start with the same team as we did against Chelsea, or do you think we might see a little bit rotation?
00:25:37
Iain
and I think it will be, by and large, the same side.
00:25:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mm-hmm.
00:25:43
Iain
um I don't think... I was disappointed with Murphy on...
00:25:49
Iain
Saturday, couldn't remember when I went to see it. I'm disappointed with Mervy's performance. I know he can put a good cross in, but one good cross coming in, in between him giving the ball away half a dozen times because he can't find ah the accuracy to make a a simple five-yard pass is
Strategic Approaches for Upcoming Matches
00:26:05
Iain
so frustrating.
00:26:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:26:06
Iain
um So I wouldn't be surprised if Elanga gets another go, rotated. It's his old club after all. That might inspire him to do it a little bit.
00:26:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
True.
00:26:15
Iain
He's played a lot at Old Trafford. So I'd say a langarine for Murphy and then, you know, pay your money, take your choice about whether it's Visser that starts and Volta Marder that comes on.
00:26:27
Iain
Or, as I would guess, Volta Marder will keep his place because he scored twice and Visser will come on.
00:26:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Agreed.
00:26:33
Iain
um Probably after half after an hour, I would hope, to keep them fresh for Burnley three or four days later. So I don't think you can't change the...
00:26:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, because that's going to be a tough game as well
00:26:44
Iain
You can't change the... um the defence because there isn't anybody to change um and I think we've got to keep to be fair Bruno looked absolutely exhausted mind at the end of the Chelsea game so I think he'll still go because it's Manu Bruno and Tonari will want to play in that game you've got to keep Ramsey and he had his best game head and shoulders his best game for us he'd start um and then yeah Anthony Gordon was and Fulton Marder were wonderful weren't they it's just Murphy will swap for a Lange that's my prediction
00:26:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
well.
00:26:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
He did, didn't he?
00:27:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:27:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm pretty much making the same prediction, but I do think it'll be Barnes that comes in and Gordon moving to the right. But either way, I do agree. Murphy coming out. think he had he does have, as you mentioned, he does have some really good balls in him. he's got you know He puts in a great cross here and there. But as you say, like i think he completed nine passes in the first half, and that was when we were at our best.
00:27:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
So it's it's one of those, you need someone who's going to make a little bit more of an impact.
00:27:38
Iain
And 6, 7, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.
00:27:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
um And to be fair, this does feel like one of those games where draws ah sorry not draws goals are almost inevitable. But I guess that depends on how Newcastle are going to start the game. If we're going to keep pretty much the same team against Chelsea, do you think we'll start in the same way and try and hit them on the attack? Or do you think it's going to be Newcastle United are away, let's sit back a little bit?
00:28:04
Iain
No, it can't be that. It can't be that. Surely the lesson has been learned. And I mean, remember in the League Cup, in the League Cup when we played Kraft and Dummett at centre-half, we really went after them and we beat them 3-0 and they were lucky to get nil.
00:28:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
You'd think.
00:28:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:28:21
Iain
So, you know, this time last year, won 2-0, but it was 2-0 after 20 minutes.
00:28:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Great game, that.
00:28:29
Iain
That's the time to maybe...
00:28:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:28:32
Iain
Choose when you press. But I think we've got to go all out. That's our style. Let's get ahead. Let's get ahead. Let's press for another one. And, you know, if against Chelsea, if we got that third goal in the first half, which we should have had, Fulton Marder missed an easier chance than the two he scored.
00:28:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
We should have, yeah.
00:28:48
Iain
um It kills the game. 2-0 doesn't. 3-0 does. I think we've just got to go after them. Because if they've got a few academy players in as well, they'll be...
00:28:59
Iain
they'll be experiencing that huge atmosphere for the first time maybe.
00:29:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, 100%. I remember that game, to be fair, Joe Willock having one of his best games for us. We might be surprised if um he comes in, because i do remember him having a quite a few good games against Manchester United.
00:29:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
remember a 2-0 at St James' Park, not that long, a few years back when we got fourth as well, and he was excellent then as well. So maybe, just maybe, we see Joe Willock in there as well, because he does like playing Man United.
00:29:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
But then again, we'd be playing Matty Longstaff if that was the case.
00:29:30
Iain
Did he score in that game? in In that game, did he score the header after Maxie headed it back over?
Impact Players and Predicted Outcomes
00:29:40
Iain
do you remember that?
00:29:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Uh,
00:29:41
Iain
Maxie knocked it back of the box and Willock headed it in off the line. That was a 2-0. But yeah, Willock does all right. Willock scored in that 3-0 game, I think.
00:29:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
let's see.
00:29:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, he scored the final goal. It was Miggy who got the first. Miggy came on for Matt Target after he was crocked after like five minutes. ah Louis Hall got his second.
00:30:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
He loves playing against Man United as well.
00:30:04
Iain
Oh, yeah.
00:30:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
um And to then it was ah Joe Willock with a long busting run from midfield. It does seem like those players who can get up and down in a game for Newcastle are the ones that cause Man United the most dangerous. So maybe that's something we'll see.
00:30:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
on Boxing Day.
00:30:23
Iain
In the second half, maybe.
00:30:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
But...
00:30:24
Iain
I think Ramsey, apparently, he said today, didn't he, that his figures in the Chelsea game...
00:30:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Maybe.
00:30:31
Iain
His stats, I think it's his running stats and his tackling stats and his interception, put him into the elite category of midfield players. He's got to start. but He's got to start.
00:30:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. It doesn't surprise me, like...
00:30:43
Iain
You can't say, well done, Jacob.
00:30:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:30:45
Iain
That's the best you've played for us. Sit and watch somebody else play.
00:30:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah
00:30:49
Iain
He won't do it.
00:30:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah Yeah, 100%. It is one of those where, for me, Ramsey's got so much potential we haven't seen yet. We did get a glimpse of against into belan and ah against Chelsea, sorry and I would love to see him play once again. But we've mentioned a few players there. The last thing going ask you before we go to our prediction is, who do you think will be Newcastle's biggest danger man on the day?
00:31:15
Iain
What, a danger man for Manchester United?
00:31:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
For Newcastle, who do you think is going to be the
00:31:19
Iain
Newcastle's biggest danger man.
00:31:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
widow ah It's Cunha for Man United, isn't it?
00:31:21
Iain
e Ooh.
00:31:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
There's no one else you can really think of.
00:31:24
Iain
It's good. Cunha, as you say.
00:31:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's like playing Wolves last year. Yeah.
00:31:28
Iain
Like playing Wolves last year. and i would hope it's another huge game under the lights on the television. It's tailor-made for Anthony Gordon to really turn it on.
00:31:40
Iain
um And he'll be setting it up for Valtimara and then Wisser. So between those three. But, you know, it could be Lewis Malley who just shines like in another Maldini-like performance.
00:31:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Does it again.
00:31:56
Iain
um who who will be going down the left against him?
00:32:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Left against him would probably be... They might play Benjamin Sheshko up front, which would mean Cunha would be on the left. Yeah.
00:32:10
Iain
So that's a tough game.
00:32:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah That's a really tough one. I'm trying to think of who else would go there. They don't really have any. I think they've got to play those players, actually. And then Mace and Mount on the other side. Those two would probably rotate quite a lot.
00:32:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mount's been in decent form. um Doesn't tend to do great against Newcastle, but um he is one of those where he's still a danger.
00:32:32
Iain
We looked at his stats, didn't we?
00:32:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, he hasn't scored or assisted against us.
00:32:34
Iain
We looked at his stats. Michael, how many goals or assists has he had? None. Zero in in what?
00:32:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah
00:32:40
Iain
Was it eight games, nine games?
00:32:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, something like that.
00:32:44
Iain
Right back to his Chelsea days.
00:32:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Close up. can't remember off the top my head. Yeah, he doesn't tend to do very well against us, although there was plenty of players in that Chelsea squad that did like play in Newcastle United, probably because of the terrible managers we had at the time.
00:32:47
Iain
He hates it.
00:32:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah But we're in a better time now.
00:32:58
Iain
we could
00:33:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I'm wanting to nail this one down and we'll reach the end with the score prediction. What are you thinking, Ian? Is it going to be a three one Is it going to be a draw?
00:33:12
Iain
it's No, it's got to be a 3-1.
00:33:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
Could Man United shock with 3-1? You have. three one
00:33:14
Iain
It's got to be a 3-1. I'm fed up of picking 3-1 and it being 2-1 or 2-all. I've been so close with 3-1, but I think we'll win.
00:33:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:33:23
Iain
um ah You know, there's 75,000 Man United fans screaming at Sesco to do something. Sesco and Cunha between them probably will...
00:33:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah
00:33:33
Iain
find a way for a few shots and one of them will go in. The one where Ramsdale tries to save it in slow motion. we'll go So I can see them scoring, but i think we'll just have it I think we'll have too much for them.
00:33:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Don't get me started.
00:33:46
Iain
I do, again, i do think we'll have too much for them.
00:33:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, you'd hope so.
00:33:49
Iain
And I would love it to be more of an Everton game where we race into a 3-0 lead and you know, start taking some pot shots in the second half, bring Whisser on to keep it going.
00:33:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
Brilliant performance, that one, wasn't it?
00:34:01
Iain
But I think it will be, yeah, yeah i think I think we'll go two up. They'll get one back. It'll be tense for a while, but then Whisser will come on and score the last
00:34:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, very, very good indeed. To be honest, I'm a bit torn, but I am going to go for a 2-1 win for Newcastle. I think it'll be 2-0 for most of the game. I think it'll be the same as last time where we take an early lead, we extend on it before half-time, they get a goal pretty late on is the only difference in Newcastle. Hold out like we need to. Probably just that one time of, oh, we're 2-0 up, it's going to happen again.
00:34:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, it doesn't. Newcastle hold on. Three points. And i to be honest, I agree with the Danger Man as well. I can see Anthony Gordon having an absolutely fantastic game because he does quite like playing against Man United.
00:34:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
But win, lose or draw?
00:34:52
Iain
But Eddie, if that's the case, Eddie, please, please, don't make him the first sub. Because he was the first man off against Chelsea and he was he was electric.
00:35:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
it was...
00:35:04
Iain
ah Before Murphy came off even, he was the first man off.
00:35:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah It's
00:35:09
Iain
Please leave him on. Leave him on. Yeah. Sorry, I interrupted you, Michael, with that heartfelt plea.
00:35:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's okay. Do not worry about it. It's what I agree with because, to be honest, those changes should have come 10 minutes earlier. But win, lose, or draw, it does feel like one of those games that's going to tell us a lot about how the rest of the season is going to go for Newcastle United because if we can put Man United to the sword and be a little bit savage on a team that you know is missing a lot of good players, it'll hopefully be the gate the catalyst
00:35:28
Iain
Thank you.
00:35:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
that sends Newcastle back into that great form because as Ian mentioned at the start of the pod, it only takes three or four games to get yourself back into those Champions League places.
00:35:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
But it's Boxing there, Man United versus Newcastle United under the lights. Two very flawed teams so far this season. Both have plenty to prove.
00:36:02
Iain
Thank you.
00:36:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Thank you for joining me, Ian, and thank you for everybody listening right now. Let us know your predictions and whether or not you think Newcastle United can make it another memorable night under the lights at Old Trafford.
00:36:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Ian, what have you got for me?
00:36:18
Iain
I was just going to say, I know you've done something with Kev and you're also going to do something for Christmas, but I'm not going to be involved until the 27th. So for everyone who's enjoyed listening to us, Merry Christmas to you. Have a great time. If you haven't enjoyed listening to us, what the hell are you doing now?
00:36:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
well put my friend well put yes we do have something um obviously me and Kev well you'll have already seen it went out on 24th if you haven't checked out the little new years the new Christmas message sorry give a listen it's just me saying thank you so much for listening to us over the year I've been Michael Grameslaw.
00:36:51
Iain
Thank you.
00:36:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
I've been joined by Ian McKay. This is, of course, the Daily Newcastle. Check us out on Spotify, wherever you get your podcasts. We are there. Connect with us on social media.
00:37:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
James is an absolutely lovely fella. He'll connect with you and then I'll do the talking. Hope you've had a belter Christmas and we will see you very, very soon.
00:37:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Ta-ra.