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Manchester United vs Newcastle Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction

Date: December 26, 2025 Venue: Old Trafford Kickoff Time: 22:00 Fresh off celebrating Christmas, it’s back to business as usual. Premier League betting fans can expect a fixture where control meets chaos and huge betting potential ahead of kickoff. Knowing how tight it is in the table and how quickly things can change, every point carries significant weight, especially for the aspirations of both teams. Manchester United returns home knowing exactly what is demanded here. While there have been signs of a momentum shift for the Red Devils, on nights like this, control is expected, authority required, and anything less invites more questions. For the visitors, Newcastle sees an opportunity. This is not a visit of respect or to admire the surroundings, but rather a challenge, as the Magpies look to impose themselves and potentially upset the Theatre of Dreams.

Marc Strydom
Marc Strydom

Last updated: 2025-12-23

Chad Nagel

7 minutes read

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Lisandro Martinez (R) vies with Newcastle United's Brazilian midfielder #39 Bruno Guimaraes

Lisandro Martinez (R) and Bruno Guimaraes/Getty Images

As the stadium lights burn through the evening sky at Old Trafford, a familiar tension settles into the air as Man United hosts Newcastle United on 26 December 2025. When the whistle sounds, the battle begins, and only one side will walk away with the statement they came for.

Pre-Game Odds & Win Probability

  1. HOME (MAN UNITED): 57/50 (2.14) – 46.7% 

  2. DRAW: 57/20 (3.85) – 26% 

  3. AWAY (NEWCASTLE): 11/5 (3.20) – 31.3% 

    Odds courtesy of Xyes, subject to change.

Head-To-Head Record

Last five meetings (All Competitions)

  1. 13/04/2025: Newcastle 4-1 Man United

  2. 30/12/2024: Man United 0-2 Newcastle 

  3. 15/05/2024: Man United 3-2 Newcastle 

  4. 02/12/2023: Newcastle 1-0 Man United 

  5. 01/11/2023: Man United 0-3 Newcastle 

Man United Current Form – WDWDL

Despite competing higher up the table, Man United and Ruben Amorim still find themselves under continuous pressure. The Red Devils still lack a clear, coherent identity at times under Amorim, particularly in defence and midfield balance. However, there has been significant improvement, and if they can find stability in defence while being clinical up front, then they will be in a much better place. 

The last five games have displayed United’s turn in momentum, and while they have been on an upward trajectory, defensive vulnerabilities continue to be their Achilles heel. Coming away from Selhurst Park with a victory over Crystal Palace was a huge boost in confidence, but it was followed by a draw against West Ham, again showing their inconsistency, especially in defence. 

The trip to Wolves was met by a dominant performance and returned to winning ways after putting on an attacking masterclass. It was back to Old Trafford to face Bournemouth, and again, they had to settle for a draw after defensive errors cost them maximum points. Taking on Aston Villa at Villa Park was another test of character and loss in the end; however, it was a rather positive performance. Newcastle comes a day after Christmas, and a collective display could perhaps earn a favourable result. 

Key Players To Watch

  • Benjamin Sesko: Sesko's playing style combines power, pace, and intelligence. His speed allows him to stretch defences and attack space behind defensive lines. He also has clinical finishing and smart movement, making him difficult to contain at times, despite the rough patch he is going through. 
  • Mason Mount: Mount’s time at United has been marred by injuries, but he has shown flashes of his true potential and how much confidence he is playing with in recent weeks. He has all the qualities of a top-class midfielder and is a constant threat to any defence, especially in the final third. 
  • Matheus Cunha: Cunha is a thrilling, attack-minded player who uses skill, speed, strength, and intelligent movement to break through defensive lines, contributing to goals and assists through his direct play. His maverick-like nature will ask questions of Newcastle’s backline on the day. 

Man United Team News

Noussair Mazraoui, Bryan Mbeumo, and Amad Diallo are all away on international duty competing in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and will be a huge miss for United during this time. Matthijs De Ligt (back) and Harry Maguire (hamstring) are close to a return, which will bring some stability and strength to a fragile defence for the Red Devils

Newcastle Current Form – WDLWD

Newcastle has surprisingly had a sluggish start to the season and has been slow to pick up momentum. The departure of Alexander Isak is no excuse, but it may have had an impact on their performances; however, as a team with a relentless, well-organized, and determined style of play, Eddie Howe will find a way to rediscover their cutting edge as they aim to fight their way back to the top of the table. 

Coming into this fixture, the Magpies have been put under immense pressure in every game. Although they came away with a victory against Burnley, it was not one of their better performances, followed by a draw against Leverkusen away in the Champions League. With little time to rest and prepare for the Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland four days later, they lost the derby after Nick Woltemade scored an own goal to give the Black Cats the victory and bragging rights on the day. 

Three days later, they faced Fulham in the EFL Cup and advanced to the semi-finals after Lewis Miley scored deep into extra time to snatch the victory from the Cottagers. Chelsea was next, and signs of fatigue started to creep in, particularly in the second half, having played every three days during this busy schedule. Finally, with some much-needed rest, Howe has the opportunity to get his men ready to face United, a fixture they have won home and away in the last two meetings. 

Key Players to Watch

  • Nick Woltemade: Woltemade was brought in to fill the gap left behind by Isak, and the German has already made his presence felt. Despite his tall frame, he is technically sound, has the skill to work in tight spaces, makes intelligent runs, and has good instinctive finishing ability. 
  • Bruno Guimaraes: Guimaraes is a complete all-action box-to-box midfielder who brings intelligence, technical skills, and a relentless work rate. With his supreme skill set, the Brazilian embodies the passion of Tyneside and has become a vital tempo-setter and transition orchestrator for the Magpies. 
  • Anthony Gordon: Gordon thrives in Howe’s system, fitting perfectly with the high-intensity, demanding style. He’s a threat both running behind and linking play, utilizing his relentless energy, directness, and skill to impact the game in advanced areas while being a significant goal threat.  

Newcastle Team News

Dan Burn (ribs) suffered a fractured rib and lung damage, which will see him sidelined for up to four to six weeks. Nick Pope (groin) has missed the last five games and is expected to return within the next two fixtures. Emil Krafth (knee) missed the last month out with a knee injury and is hoping to return in the new year. Sven Botman (back) has made good progress following his injection to treat his back injury, but is not fit yet to play. Kieran Trippier (hamstring) is expected to also return in the new year after recovering from his hamstring injury. 

Predicted Line-Up

  1. Man United: 4-2-3-1

    Lammens, Dalot, Yoro, Martinez, Shaw, Casemiro, Mainoo, Fernandes, Mount, Cunha, Sesko.

  2. Newcastle: 4-3-3

    Ramsdale, Livramento, Thiaw, Schar, Hall, Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton, Murphy, Gordon, Woltemade.

Suggested Bets from Xyes.com

Before kickoff, break down the form, tactics, and key matchups to win big with strategic insights on this exciting platform.

  1. Both Teams To Score (Yes): Both sides carry attacking threats and have shown defensive vulnerabilities in big games. Goals at both ends feel a strong angle. 13/25 (1.52). 

  2. Total (Over 2.5): With the intensity and attacking quality on display, this fixture has the potential to open up, especially if an early goal arrives. 3/5 (1.60) 

  3. Newcastle Double Chance (Win or Draw): Newcastle’s recent performances against Man United suggest they won’t fear the occasion and are capable of avoiding defeat, especially with United missing a few key players. 17/25 (1.68)

Value Bets from Xyes.com

With competitive odds and strong value opportunities, this platform is designed to help you get more from every decision.

  1. First Half – First Goal (Man United): The Red Devils will aim for a quick start and put the Magpies under pressure from the first whistle. 5/4 (2.25)

  2. Total Corners (Over 10.5): Both teams attack wide and apply pressure, which can lead to sustained spells and corner opportunities. 57/50 (2.14)

  3. Both Teams To Score In Both Halves (Yes): Expect a cautious opening as both sides feel each other out before the game opens up later. 43/5 (9.60)

Prediction: Double Chance (Newcastle/Draw)

Manchester United have been growing in confidence, and with home ground advantage, they will be buoyed by the home support to go out and impose themselves. However, with some key players missing, it could see them weakened in some areas, which could allow Newcastle to enforce their style and potentially crush United, especially having won the last two games convincingly, home and away. 

Marc Strydom
Marc StrydomSports Writer

Marc Strydom is a dedicated sports lover with a wealth of experience in the sports betting industry, mostly as a Chief Editor of a sports betting publication in South Africa. While Marc’s enthusiasm covers many sports, football and NBA are his favourites. His articles feature on multiple top-rated platforms, covering a wide range of topics.

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