Newcastle head to Old Trafford for their third game of the latest Premier League game. Having only picked up a point from the opening two games of the season, Steve McClaren will be desperate to seal his first competitive win as Newcastle manager.
Ahead of the game, a few of our writers attempt to predict our starting line-up – will McClaren go on the offensive or take a more reserved approach?
THOMAS BORE
Moussa Sissoko is a doubt for Saturday’s trip to Old Trafford but Paul Simpson’s comments were promising and I still expect the Frenchman to play. If he cannot partake, I expect Rolando Aarons to come into the team, with Gabby Obertan shifting to right midfield.
Chancel Mbemba will fill in at right-back in order to retain Vurnon Anita’s presence in midfield, meaning Steven Taylor will need to fill in at right centre-back. Aleksandar Mitrovic is edging closer to his first Premier League start and I reckon it could be this week, with Cisse only playing 50 minutes before being hauled off last week.
EVIN GRANT
I chose to go with a 4-5-1 formation in order to cope with Manchester United’s midfield, which is their most dominant area. The back four was a hard one to pick, but I’d go with Dummett at left-bac as he is more defensively solid than Haidara and Mbemba at right-back as he’s filled in there quite frequently under McClaren already. Sadly, I feel Coloccini and Taylor will be the CB partnership because that’s what we went for halfway through the Swansea match.
Anita in front of the back four, cutting the passing lanes and giving our weak centre-back partnership some comfort, with Colback and Wijnaldum as the two centre midfielders. They’ll both get forward and back which will be vital for this game.
I’d have Aarons and Obertan on the wings, two energetic wide men who should cause Shaw and Darmian some problems, and Mitrovic up front. He’s yet to have a big chunk of game time and I think he could definitely terrorise Daley Blind in the air. We’ll also need him to hold up the ball for our oncoming midfielders.
ADAM SOFRONIOU
Janmaat’s suspension means that Mbemba moves out to the right-hand side. Taylor comes into the centre to partner Coloccini, who is lucky to retain his place. The shaky and threadbare defence needs greater protection so Anita sits in front to try and break up any attacks. Colback and Wijnaldum, who have both impressed, start in the middle with Wijnaldum looking to push on when Newcastle get the ball. Perez and Aarons get their first starts of the season in the hope that their trickery and skill can unsettle the so far untested United back four. It’s too early for Thauvin but I’d expect him to make an appearance in the second half. Cisse struggles as a lone, unsupported striker so I’d unleash Mitrovic with the proviso that he will be hooked at any point that he looks like seriously hurting anyone.
MICHAEL OLIVER
With Janmaat out, Mbemba makes the move to right back with Steven Taylor coming back into the side. Sissoko also misses out, so why not give Thauvin his debut, let’s see what he’s all about. Mitrovic needs a start as well, too much pressure on him having to make an impact off the bench.
