Man United vs Newcastle Bet Builder Tips: Gordon to grab a rare away goal

Manchester United host Newcastle United at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Wednesday night (Sky Sports Main Event, 20:00), looking to bounce back from their defeat to Arsenal at the weekend. The Red Devils' iconic stadium was once again showing its age as heavy rainfall saw water gushing through the roof and streaming down the stands, earning the nickname the Theatre of Streams.

Newcastle were held to a disappointing draw with Brighton & Hove Albion at St James' Park last time out  and both these sides need a win to strengthen their top-six hopes. Like the rain on Sunday, I can see Man United gushing more goals here and I have put together a 5/1 bet builder for this clash.

Newcastle to win

The Magpies had to settle for a 1-1 draw at the weekend but I fancy them to get back to winning ways against Man United on Wednesday. This is mainly because the Red Devils' back line is depleted and we are currently witnessing midfielder Casemiro attempt to play there alongside veteran Jonny Evans.

Although he is a doubt for this clash, Newcastle forward Alexander Isak could have a field day up against the duo if he does feature at Old Trafford. If he is unable to, and fellow striker Callum Wilson a doubt too, Eddie Howe could give Anthony Gordon the nod to lead the line which could pave the way for Harvey Barnes to return to the lineup on the left flank.

There would be a lot of creativity and attacking prowess on the field if they played together and I reckon that they could combine to cause United all sorts of problems. I was surprised to see United concede just the one goal to title challengers Arsenal at the weekend but the truth was it wasn't the Gunners at their best. If Newcastle turn up to play at the level we know they are capable of, we could see them further exploit the Red Devils' defensive woes.

Whether or not Newcastle have it in them to put on a ruthless attacking display or not, I still fancy them to come away from Old Trafford with the three points.

Diogo Dalot and Bruno Guimaraes 1+ fouls each

This game could end up with quite a cagey start that could see both teams struggling to keep the ball, and with that in mind, I have picked out two players to commit a foul in this contest.

United full-back Diogo Dalot has been penalised the most in the Premier League this season for Erik ten Hag's side. The Portugal international has committed 41 fouls so far and if he is to go up against either Gordon or Barnes in a one-on-one on Wednesday, it is hard not to see him picking up another for the campaign.

Then there is Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes. Like Dalot, he has been penalised the most for his club but he has committed more fouls than his Man United opposite with 48. The tenacious Brazilian still shows his recklessness in the challenge but that is just his style. He likes to show his opponents that he is there and isn't afraid to show aggression in the challenge.

Both players are good options to back to commit fouls because they have been doing it consistently throughout the season. And in a game in which both are needing a win to bolster their European hopes, there is a lot on the line, so I'm expecting quite a few free-kicks to be given here.

Anthony Gordon anytime goalscorer

It doesn't matter if Gordon is asked to play left wing or through the middle (if Isak is unavailable), he will carry one of the biggest goal threats on the pitch here and his 10 goals in the Premier League already this term attest to that.

Gordon has had an excellent campaign and he looks like he is playing himself into Gareth Southgate's England squad for Euro 2024 in the summer, and a goal at Old Trafford would only bolster his case.

One slight criticism that has come his way this year is the fact that he has only scored one goal away from home in the league, and that came in the 8-0 routing of Sheffield United back in September. Luckily for him though, he is coming up against a United team in disarray and a defence that cannot help but make mistakes and concede goals.

This is his best chance to end the goal drought on the road and I'm backing him to do so here.

Betfred are running their famed Double Delight & Hat-trick Heaven offer on this match, meaning that if a player scores first and then nets again, you will be paid at double the odds. If he grabs a hat-trick, you will be paid at treble the odds!