After demolishing Wolves 4-1, a topsy-turvy 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was followed by a 2-1 loss to Aston Villa, so Manchester united are a side searching for form. The absence of Bruno Fernandes will make this high-stakes encounter against the Magpies even more testing for the hosts.
Newcastle United face their own injury problems, with several key defenders sidelined. However, their squad appears better equipped to handle the absences, and they will see this as a golden opportunity to claim a vital three points on the road against a weakened opponent.
With both teams missing a host of regular starters, this match is set to be a test of squad depth and tactical adaptability. The outcome could well be decided by which side's makeshift lineup can find cohesion quicker on the day.
Our AI Predictions for the Match Between Manchester United and Newcastle
To give you the most reliable insights, we’ve gathered match predictions from three leading AI models – ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. Each model provides a clear prediction on the outcome, displayed as a simple bullet point. You’ll also see their official logos, so it’s clear which AI made the call. For those who want to dive deeper, you can click each prediction to expand and reveal the reasoning behind it – showing how the AI reached its conclusion based on data, form, and key match stats.
BTTS offers clear value given both sides possess attacking threats and have shown defensive vulnerabilities. Manchester United remain potent in attack despite injuries, while Newcastle possess substantial firepower to test United’s makeshift backline.
claude
Prediction of AI claude modelNewcastle United to Win
Claude prioritises markets that favour an away win given the circumstances. Manchester United’s defensive crisis—with five key players missing including Bruno Fernandes, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire—leaves them severely weakened. Newcastle’s superior squad depth and recent form against injury-hit opponents make the away win the standout selection.
Gemini prioritises the Over/Under market given the defensive crises affecting both Manchester United and Newcastle. Both teams are missing key defensive personnel but retain significant attacking threats, pointing towards an open game with multiple goals.
Why we chose the prediction we did from the options that were available to us?
The consensus from our analysis points to Manchester United’s extensive injury list being the deciding factor. With key players out across the spine of the team, most notably Bruno Fernandes, Newcastle United are in a prime position to take advantage. Woltemade scored two last time out and Antony Gordan is coming into great form; the pair of them may be too much for the hosts to handle. We think an away win offers excellent value and is our top pick for this clash at Old Trafford.
Value Bets from Our Algorithm
Our value bets are generated by combining insights from advanced research models with key football data points. The algorithm looks beyond simple win–draw–lose outcomes and weighs factors such as recent form, head-to-head records, expected goals (xG), injury news, home and away performance trends, and market odds movement.
Newcastle United are well-positioned to exploit Manchester United’s extensive injury list, particularly in defence and midfield, making an away victory the most likely outcome.
Bet 2
Both Teams to Score — Our model leans towards Yes.
With both teams experiencing significant defensive injury issues but still featuring capable attackers, a high-scoring encounter with more than 2.5 goals is expected.
Considering Manchester United’s debilitating injury crisis, Newcastle United are well-placed to secure at least a point from this fixture.
Player Focus Bets
Based on recent form and historical data, our top picks for the Anytime Goalscorer market in this match between Manchester United and Newcastle:
Matheus Cunha represents Manchester United’s best chance of finding the net, with his creativity and finishing ability crucial to unlocking Newcastle’s defence despite the surrounding squad turmoil. (Manchester United)
Nick Woltemade is Newcastle United’s most potent attacking threat and will relish the opportunity to exploit Manchester United’s makeshift defensive line, making him the prime candidate for an anytime goal. (Newcastle)
Odds Boosts, Free Bets & Specials for Manchester United vs Newcastle
At BestBettingSites.co.uk, we’re always on the lookout for ways that punters can squeeze a little extra value out of their football bets. Find the latest offers below.
20 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueNewcastle United2 : 2Chelsea
17 Dec 2025 –
EFL CupNewcastle United2 : 1Fulham
14 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueSunderland1 : 0Newcastle United
10 Dec 2025 –
Champions LeagueBayer Leverkusen2 : 2Newcastle United
06 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueNewcastle United2 : 1Burnley
02 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueNewcastle United2 : 2Tottenham Hotspur
WINS4
DRAW2
LOSSES0
Average Stats (Last 8 Matches)
19 Total goals
63% BTTS
12 Goals scored
7 Goals conceded
63% Over 2.5
13% Under 2.5
20 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueNewcastle United2 : 2Chelsea
17 Dec 2025 –
EFL CupNewcastle United2 : 1Fulham
06 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueNewcastle United2 : 1Burnley
02 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueNewcastle United2 : 2Tottenham Hotspur
22 Nov 2025 –
Premier LeagueNewcastle United2 : 1Manchester City
05 Nov 2025 –
Champions LeagueNewcastle United2 : 0Athletic Bilbao
WINS1
DRAW1
LOSSES4
Average Stats (Last 6 Matches)
21 Total goals
83% BTTS
9 Goals scored
12 Goals conceded
83% Over 2.5
17% Under 2.5
14 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueSunderland1 : 0Newcastle United
10 Dec 2025 –
Champions LeagueBayer Leverkusen2 : 2Newcastle United
29 Nov 2025 –
Premier LeagueEverton1 : 4Newcastle United
25 Nov 2025 –
Champions LeagueMarseille2 : 1Newcastle United
09 Nov 2025 –
Premier LeagueBrentford3 : 1Newcastle United
02 Nov 2025 –
Premier LeagueWest Ham United3 : 1Newcastle United
Starting XI
4-3-3
Possible Lineup
32Aaron Ramsdale
67Lewis Miley
5Fabian Schär
12Malick Thiaw
3Lewis Hall
41Jacob Ramsey
39Bruno Guimarães
8Sandro Tonali
10Anthony Gordon
27Nick Woltemade
23Jacob Murphy
Substitutes
26John Ruddy
37Alex Murphy
11Harvey Barnes
7Joelinton
28Joe Willock
20Anthony Elanga
9Yoane Wissa
61Leo Shahar
62Sean Neave
Suspension
None reported
Injured
1Nick Pope Groin injury
2Sven Botman Back injury
3Dan Burn Rib injury
4Kieran Trippier Hamstring injury
5Tino Livramento Knee injury
6Jamaal Lascelles Muscle injury
7Emil Krafth Knee injury
8William Osula Ankle injury
9Harrison Ashby Thigh injury
Note: Official lineups are typically confirmed 60 minutes before kick-off. These predictions are based on the latest team news and recent selections.
Manchester United vs Newcastle Head-to-Head Record
13 Apr 2025 –
Premier LeagueNewcastle United4 : 1Manchester United
30 Dec 2024 –
Premier LeagueManchester United0 : 2Newcastle United
15 May 2024 –
Premier LeagueManchester United3 : 2Newcastle United
02 Dec 2023 –
Premier LeagueNewcastle United1 : 0Manchester United
01 Nov 2023 –
EFL CupManchester United0 : 3Newcastle United
02 Apr 2023 –
Premier LeagueNewcastle United2 : 0Manchester United
26 Feb 2023 –
EFL CupManchester United0 : 2Newcastle United
16 Oct 2022 –
Premier LeagueManchester United0 : 0Newcastle United
League Games at Manchester United
Manchester United
Newcastle
Goals: Scored39
Games: Scored1/54/5
Clean Sheets1/54/5
League Games at Newcastle
Manchester United
Newcastle
Goals: Scored17
Games: Scored3/33/3
Clean Sheets0/32/3
Current Best Betting Odds for Manchester United vs Newcastle
When it comes to betting on this Premier League fixture, getting the best odds can make all the difference to your returns. Below, we’ve compared the top prices available from trusted betting sites for the upcoming clash between Manchester United and Newcastle.
If you really want to see a return, Bet Builders are a great way to combine different markets into one high-odds selection. These are risky, but when they land, the payout can be massive.
Here are some long-shot Bet Builder ideas for the Manchester United vs Newcastle clash:
Manchester United to Win + Over 2.5 Goals + Both Teams to Score (Combined odds: 15/2+)
Newcastle to Score First + Manchester United to Win + Over 3.5 Goals (Combined odds: 11/1+)
Draw at Half-Time + Manchester United to Win + BTTS (Combined odds: 14/1+)
Quick Betting Angles
These Quick Betting Angles cut through the noise and turn stats into actionable insights for Manchester United vs Newcastle on 26 December 2025 at 8:00 PM.
Betting Angle (Both Teams to Score): Both teams are highly likely to score, as Manchester United’s makeshift defence will struggle against Newcastle’s forwards. Meanwhile, United still possess enough firepower with the likes of Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko to breach the Magpies’ own injury-hit backline.
Betting Angle (Total Goals): A high-scoring game is anticipated, with Over 2.5 goals strongly favoured due to the defensive vulnerabilities of both sides and their respective attacking talents.
Betting Angle (Away Win): Manchester United’s expected home advantage at Old Trafford is significantly diminished due to their extensive injury crisis affecting key defensive and midfield personnel.
Match Information:
Competition: Premier League
Stage: Premier League
Kick-off: 26 December 2025 at 8:00 PM
Sport: Soccer
Where to Watch Manchester United vs Newcastle
TV channel:
In the UK, this Premier League match will be broadcast on Sky Sports.
Online streaming:
Subscribers can stream via Sky Go.
Free highlights:
Full match highlights will be available on Match of the Day (BBC One, 10:30 PM) and the official Premier League YouTube channel.
