Manchester United v Newcastle United: Can the Mags make a point at Old Trafford?
Chris Hughton has won a number of plaudits for the way he guided Newcastle back to the Premier League at the first time of asking but he will win the freedom of the city if he can lead the Mags to their first win at Old Trafford since 1972.
Kevin Keegan began the 2008-09 campaign as manager with an opening day fixture at Old Trafford and while most pundits were expecting a cricket score, Newcastle United held the champions to a 1-1 draw. Could Hughton manage a similar feat this time?
Manchester United missed out on securing their fourth Premier League crown in a row last season by just a point but Fergie hasn’t gone mad in the transfer market trying to bring the title back up the M6. He has placed his faith in youth and it’s a policy that has served him so well in the past.
The Premier League was a quieter place without the Toon Army last season and they will be in full voice as they enter the Theatre of Dreams once again. However, recent history indicates that it may not be a happy trip back up to the north east. Since thrashing the Red Devils 5-0 back in 1996 they have managed just two wins over them, home and away, and have conceded three goals or more on eight separate occasions.
It’s no surprise then to see the majority of the Panel going for a home win.
Manchester United v Newcastle United; Kick off 8pm 16 Aug 2010
Prediction Panel
|
Arsenal |
Don McMahon |
3 |
V |
0 |
|
Aston Villa |
Lynette Ranson |
3 |
V |
|
|
Birmingham |
Steve Coulter |
3 |
V |
0 |
|
Blackburn |
Terry Kennedy |
3 |
V |
1 |
|
Blackpool |
Phil Trow |
3 |
V |
1 |
|
Bolton |
Dave Blackburn |
4 |
V |
0 |
|
Chelsea |
Joe Tyler |
3 |
V |
1 |
|
Everton |
Chris Goodwin |
3 |
V |
0 |
|
Fulham |
Russell Goldman |
3 |
V |
1 |
|
Liverpool |
Mark Williams |
0 |
V |
0 |
|
Man City |
Callum Rothwell |
2 |
V |
1 |
|
Man Utd |
Peter Lee |
3 |
V |
|
|
Newcastle |
Michael Stout |
2 |
V |
0 |
|
Stoke City |
Philip Eccleston |
3 |
V |
0 |
|
Sunderland |
Tony Ratton |
2 |
V |
0 |
|
Tottenham |
Dave Nash |
3 |
V |
1 |
|
West Brom |
Andy Wakeman |
2 |
V |
0 |
|
West Ham |
Nigel Telfer |
3 |
V |
0 |
|
Wigan |
Alan |
3 |
V |
0 |
|
Wolves |
Chris Cox |
3 |
V |
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OUR EXPERTS |
|
|
|
|
|
Editor |
Antony Melvin |
2 |
V |
1 |
|
Writer |
Colin Illingworth |
3 |
V |
1 |
|
Writer |
Hugh Larkin |
1 |
V |
0 |
|
Writer |
Paul Grech |
4 |
V |
0 |
|
Pompey fan |
Dan Taylor |
3 |
V |
1 |
|
Boro fan |
Sue Gardener |
0 |
V |
0 |
|
Pompey fan |
Peter Rendle |
2 |
V |
0 |
|
West Ham fan |
Matthew Beeby |
4 |
V |
1 |
Don't forget you can still enter our fantasy league. Register your details at fantasy.premierleague.com and enter the code 148305-43452
Panel Verdict
The Panel believes the points will stay at Old Trafford.
Home: 26; Away: 0; Draw: 2.
* Do we have it right, or do you know better? Please don't bother with derisory comments on the predictions after the match - unless you also pulled us up before it!
