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Premier League | Gameweek 21
Jan 2, 2019 at 8pm UK
 
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Lukaku (64'), Rashford (80')

How Manchester United could line up against Newcastle United

Sports Mole looks at how a rejuvenated Manchester United could line up for their opening match of 2019, when they visit Newcastle United.

Manchester United will be bidding to make it four wins from four under interim boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer when they take on Newcastle United at St James' Park on Wednesday.

Having ended 2018 with their best winning run of the season, the Red Devils will look to get 2019 off to a perfect start as well, with just three points now separating them from fifth-placed Arsenal.

United have scored 12 goals in three games under Solskjaer so far - as many as they managed in their last nine under Jose Mourinho - and take on a Newcastle side just three points clear of the relegation zone.

Here, Sports Mole looks at how Solskjaer could line his side up for their opening match of 2019.



Possible MNU XI vs. NEW

Out: Eric Bailly (suspended), Chris Smalling (foot), Marcos Rojo (unspecified)
Doubtful: Scott McTominay (unspecified), Alexis Sanchez (hamstring), Marcus Rashford (groin)

Marcus Rashford is a doubt for this game after picking up a groin injury which forced him off with 20 minutes to go against Bournemouth, and his replacement in that match Romelu Lukaku could make his first league start since December 16 as a result.

Solskjaer will be forced into at least one more change too, with Eric Bailly suspended following his red card against the Cherries, meaning that Phil Jones is expected to start.

United have played a 4-2-3-1 formation in their last two games and the success of that could see Solskjaer stick with it, despite playing a 4-3-3 system in his only away game so far.

The likes of Juan Mata, Fred and Diogo Dalot will be pushing for recalls if Solskjaer does opt to rotate things during this busy period, while Alexis Sanchez could be in line to feature after failing to recover in time for Sunday's match.

Paul Pogba is one player whose form makes him almost impossible to rest at the moment, with four goals in his last two games.

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Barney Corkhill
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Interim Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer watches on during his side's Premier League clash with Cardiff City on December 22, 2018
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3Arsenal1686229151430
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest168442119228
5Manchester CityMan City168352823527
6Bournemouth167452421325
7Aston Villa167452425-125
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9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton166642625124
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1672736191723
11Brentford167273230223
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle166552321223
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd166462119222
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20Southampton1612131136-255


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