Manchester United fancied to add to Newcastle's woes

Manchester United visit Newcastle United on Sunday aiming to strengthen their grip on a top four spot in the Premier League.

The Red Devils are currently second in the table, seven points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur with 12 games remaining this season.

Newcastle head into the fixture 16th in the standings, just one point above the relegation zone.

United are priced at 8/13 to win the game, with Newcastle on offer at 5/1. The draw is available at 14/5.

Despite title favourites Manchester City drawing at Burnley on Saturday, United’s odds for winning the Premier League are 66/1 and it seems unlikely that they’ll be able to bridge the 13 point gap between now and the end of the campaign.

Jose Mourinho rang the changes for Saturday’s game against Huddersfield Town, with the United boss eager to shake things up after the disappointing midweek defeat by Tottenham Hotspur.

The Portuguese manager brought in Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw, Scott McTominay and Juan Mata after the Red Devils saw their eight-game unbeaten streak ended at Wembley.

Paul Pogba, Anthony Martial and Ashley Young dropped to the bench, while Phil Jones played no part in proceedings.

Mourinho’s changes paid off, with Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez scoring during the second half to secure a 2-0 victory.

Sanchez produced an action-packed display, suggesting he’ll be a far better signing than Mesut Ozil who chose to stay at Arsenal.

The Chilean’s performance prompted Mourinho to say he had no plans to make any major attacking signings in the summer, effectively ending the club’s interest in Atletico Madrid striker Antoinne Griezmann.

United will be confident of picking up another three points on Sunday, having lost just two of their last 30 meetings with the Magpies in all competitions.

The last fixture between these two sides back in 2016 ended 3-3 and a repeat of that scoreline can be backed at 66/1 this weekend.

United defeated Newcastle 4-1 at Old Trafford during November and they are priced at 150/1 to match that feat at St James’ Park.

Newcastle are without a win in their last five games, although they showed plenty of spirit to draw 1-1 at Crystal Palace on Sunday.

They were under the cosh through most of the second half, but Luka Milivojevic’s late penalty secured what could be a vital point in their battle for Premier League survival.

Rafa Benitez should have striker Islam Slimani available for the game and the Algerian’s aggressive style should give them a cutting edge over the rest of the season.

Newcastle’s last home victory over United was a 3-0 success in 2012, but odds of 80/1 suggest a repeat isn’t likely this weekend.

United currently boast the best defensive record in the top flight and it’s difficult to imagine the home side causing them many problems this weekend.

Mourinho’s side are 6/4 to win to nil and that looks a solid wager.