Newcastle United have a massive opportunity against Manchester United on Wednesday night.
It is the penultimate Premier League game of the season for both clubs, as they battle it out for a place in Europe next season.
The Magpies are currently in the driving seat, sitting in sixth place despite dropping points on Saturday. They drew 1-1 with Brighton, meaning Man United had the chance to close the gap and move level on goal difference.
It was a chance they did not take, with Erik ten Hag’s side losing 1-0 to Arsenal at a very wet Old Trafford.
They are now eighth heading into Wednesday’s game, knowing that only a win will be enough to give them a chance of finishing above Newcastle United this season.
But while the Magpies head into this game with confidence, it is the complete opposite in the North West.
Manchester United have injury problems ahead of facing Newcastle United
Not only are Manchester United massively struggling right now, but they also have a depleted squad. Their injury problems are comparable to what ours were earlier in the campaign, with Ten Hag having serious defensive issues.
The likes of Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane are unavailable, with Casemiro having to play at centre-back, which has been a recipe for disaster.
They also have problems in midfield too, with Bruno Fernandes missing the Red Devils’ last two games with a knee injury. And that could become three on Wednesday.
Manchester United could be without Bruno Fernandes
That is because Erik ten Hag has told TalkSPORT that his side could be without Fernandes again when Newcastle arrive at Old Trafford.
Journalist Alex Crook wrote on X: “Ten Hag also told @talkSPORT Bruno Fernandes is likely to miss Wednesday’s game v #NUFC.”
Newcastle have players back as Man United sweat on Fernandes fitness
While the £47million man is a player who irritates opposition fans, Fernandes is the player who makes Man United tick.
The fact that he could miss Wednesday night’s game is a huge blow for Manchester United, who absolutely have to win. If they don’t, Newcastle will finish above them for the first time since 1977.
And Eddie Howe will be boosted by the fact that he has key players back from injury, unlike Ten Hag.
The Magpies welcomed Kieran Trippier back on Saturday from a calf injury, while Joelinton and Miguel Almiron were also involved following their returns to fitness. All three will be in contention to start, as Howe weighs up whether or not to tweak his starting XI.
Howe has the chance to do just that, while Ten Hag might have to stick with what he has got.
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