Football Betting

Newcastle/ Manchester Utd

Newcastle's forthcoming mismatch with Manchester United is taking on all the characteristics of a curious little black and white puppy's investigation of the whirling blades of a big red lawn mower. Instead of focussing on where points can be earned between now and the end of the season, Keegan has promised "surprises" in the United game. Given that Newcastle seem barely capable of mastering the basics of Premier League football, it seems rash to be hinting at magic and trickery just yet. And just as when small dogs decide it's time to teach the motor mower a lesson, the surprises, without exception, are unpleasant.

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Newcastle
Last six (all competitions, most recent first): LDLLDW
Last six league games: LDLDLL
Last six home league games: DDLDWD
Injuries: Given (groin, no return date); Martins (ankle, no return date); Ramage (knee, April 5)
Suspensions: none

Manchester United
Last six (all competitions, most recent first): WLDWWW
Last six league games: LDWWWW
Last six away league games: DWLWWL
Injuries: Saha (knee, no return date); Silvestre (knee, March 22); Foster (knee, Feb 23)
Suspensions: none

 

A United bloodbath, then

» Manchester United have won eleven and drawn two of the last thirteen league and cup meetings between the sides – including the 6-0 romp at Old Trafford earlier this season.

» Not since a 4-3 win at St James’ Park in 2001 have Newcastle managed to take all three points against Ferguson’s men.

» Betting on over / under 2.5 goals: There have been fifty-eight goals in the last fourteen encounters between the sides, a remarkable average of over four goals each game.

» A Manchester United player has scored a brace in each of their last four wins over Newcastle.

» Newcastle are yet to win under Kevin Keegan. The Magpies have lost three and drawn two since he took charge.

» Manchester United lost 2-1 to Manchester City in their last Premiership fixture, but not since April 2005 have they lost consecutive league fixtures.

» Newcastle have only won five of thirteen league games at St James’ Park this season. They have taken just three points and scored three goals in their last four home Premiership fixtures.

» They have not won in nine Premiership fixtures, dating back to the 15th December.

» Manchester United have won all six Premiership matches which have followed a midweek European fixture this season.

Perhaps a point for Keegan to put in his cap?

» Manchester United have struggled on their travels this season. The defending champions have won just six and lost three of their twelve Premiership contests away from home.

Perhaps not...

» Only two of the last fourteen league and cup meetings between the sides have ended all square.

» Manchester United have drawn just four times all season in the league – no Premiership side have been involved in fewer stalemates.

» Betting on half time: Four of the last six league encounters at St James’ Park have been all square at the break; the other two have both seen the away side take a 1-0 lead into the half time interval.

» Betting on corners: United have been awarded more corners than the home side in an impressive eight of twelve Premier league fixtures on the road this season. United average 6.3 corners from every away game.

And one last piece of bad news for Newcastle.

» Manchester United have won their last seven league and cup fixtures when Chris Foy has been in charge. Foy will referee this one.

20/02/08

Feb 23, 5.15pm, Setanta Sports 1, best odds