Manchester United will face Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Boxing Day evening.
The Magpies beat the Reds twice last season but finished below us in 11th place in the Premier League table.
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However, with just three points remaining, it will be important for Ruben Amorim’s side to bounce back from Sunday’s unfortunate 2-1 loss to Aston Villa.
All eyes are now on the Theater of Dreams for what will be another exciting home game following our 4-4 draw away to Bournemouth last time out here.
United haven’t won at Old Trafford since our 4-2 win over Brighton in October.
West Ham and Bournemouth were both held to draws after losing 1-0 to 10-man Everton.
However, nine goals have been scored in our last three games and looking ahead, it’s boosting our hopes that we can bring festive cheer to Reds fans around the world.
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Newcastle have won just one of their last 11 league away games and lost four of their last five away games. However, the only win was an impressive 4-1 victory at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.
United are unbeaten in their last 20 home games on December 26, dating back to 1978 when Liverpool left Old Trafford with a 3-0 victory. Seventeen of those games resulted in wins, three of which came against Friday’s opponents.
In 2012, we won a thrilling 4-3 under Sir Alex Ferguson, two years later Louis van Gaal’s side won 3-1, and in 2019, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side came from behind to win 4-1.
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Both sides have to deal with some issues in the build-up to the game.
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United are without Nousair Mazrawi, Amad and Brian Mbemo due to the Africa Cup of Nations, while injured midfielders Kobe Mainu and Bruno Fernandes have been described as possible absences by head coach Amorim.
Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt are also missing, but Casemiro returns after serving a one-match ban.
Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey made their senior debuts last weekend, both in the latter stages of the Central Region.
Newcastle are missing defenders Dan Byrne, Kieran Trippier, Emile Kraft, Jamaal Lascelles and Valentino Liveramento.
Sven Botman is set to return, while Lewis Miley and Joelinton, who have been at full-back, are undergoing tests but could feature.
Nick Pope will step out and challenge Aaron Ramsdale for the goalkeeper jersey.
