How we think Man United will fare over the Christmas period…
Louis Van Gaal’s Manchester United side are improving with every game, and until their draw at Aston Villa last weekend they had won six on the spin. The next three games won’t be easy, but they aren’t unwinnable either, and three wins would catapult United back into the title race. Three losses and the Red Devils will be right back in trouble.
Here are how we rate United’s prospects for the festive preview.
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Manchester United v Newcastle
Newcastle are as unpredictable as Man United themselves; capable of beating Chelsea and then crumbling against Arsenal in the space of a week. The Magpies’ great run is definitely at an end though, and they have just one win the last five games. At Old Trafford, Van Gaal’s side should have the firepower to see off Newcastle, but expect goals at both ends.
Prediction: Manchester United 3 – 1 Newcastle
Tottenham v Manchester United
Tottenham are on a good run, and are slowly starting to play like we expect a Pochettino team to play. Since being swatted aside by Chelsea at the start of the month they’ve won three and drawn one in the Premier League, and improved with every performance.
If this upswing continues they can cause United some real problems, especially with the game at White Hart Lane. The Lilywhites have capitulated in their big games so far however, losing 3-0 to Liverpool, 4-1 to Man City, 3-0 to Chelsea and drawing 1-1 with Arsenal, and United should have enough about them to nick 3 points.
Prediction: Tottenham 1 – 2 Manchester United
Stoke City v Manchester United
If the Red Devils have struggled against Newcastle and Spurs, they could be undone against the Potters, with Hughes’ side exploiting any lack of belief in the side. Any snowfall over Christmas would also play into the hand of the tall and tough Northern side.
But if Van Gaal’s side beat Newcastle and Spurs as we predict, they should be able to keep their run going and see off a spirited, if limited, Stoke side.
Stoke City 1 – 2 Manchester United
Overall: 9 points from 9
Manchester United’s fixtures are extremely difficult to predict because they face Newcastle and Tottenham, two of the most inconsistent sides in the division. Van Gaal’s side has great attacking depth however, and will be able to keep it’s offensive players fresh through the packed fixtures.
While a lot depends on the form and fitness of defenders like Phil Jones and Luke Shaw, we think the Red Devils will have a very merry Christmas, and emerge looking healthier than ever.