Jose Mourinho’s seat is scorching hot ahead of this week’s match with Newcastle United. The Manchester United manager has the Red Devils off to a dreadful start and his continued clashes with Paul Pogba have been the story of the first two months of the Premier League season. He is an overwhelming favorite to be the first manager sacked, and if Manchester United don’t pick up a win this Saturday, there’s a good chance he will be fired during the international break.
Don't miss the English Premier League action from Old Trafford in Manchester, England at 12:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, October 6, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on NBC.
EPL Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Newcastle United +589
Manchester United -212
Draw +330
Over/Under 2.5
Odds Analysis
This is far from the start that Newcastle United expected. The Magpies are currently in the relegation zone, and they are one of three teams without a win. However, it’s not all bad, and there are signs the team is primed for a turnaround. Four of their five losses were against the major English clubs, with the other coming versus Leicester City. Their draws weren’t bad either as they came on the road against Cardiff City and Crystal Palace.
Manchester United have had more ups and downs than any other club in the Premier League so far. They have picked up wins against Leicester City, Watford, and Burnley, but their losses to Brighton, Tottenham, and West Ham have been met with growing consternation. Those cries grew louder after the club’s 0-0 home draw with Valencia in Champions League play, as Manchester United are now in a precarious position in the group although they have four points.
Key Injuries
To make matters worse, Manchester United are dealing with some injuries to key players. Defenders Marcos Rojo and Ashley Young and midfielders Ander Herrera and Jesse Lingard are dealing with knocks and have been ruled out for this game. The Red Devils are deep, but that limits the quality of the substitutes they will have available for this match.
Newcastle United have two players that will be out for this match. Florian Lejeune continues to recover from a knee injury, while Jose Salomon Rondon is not expected to return until after the international break. Paul Dummett and Frederico Fernandez are each listed as questionable for this one with thigh issues, while DeAndre Yedlin is expected to play through a foot injury.
Player to Watch
Ayoze Perez is off to a terrible start this season. Perez was arguably Newcastle United’s best player last season, and he led the team with 10 goals across all competitions. This season he has yet to record a goal or and assist, and Magpies fans have been highly critical of his play. They ridiculed his effort in last week’s loss to Leicester City, but he is likely to start again this week with Rondon out.
Prop Bet of the Game – Alternative Total Over 3 and 3.5 at +220
Historically, visitors to Old Trafford would pack it in at the back and hope for a draw by stalling out the game. However, with Manchester United’s struggles, the Magpies might be keen to go for the win. Rafael Benitez is looking to turn things around after a 10th place finish last season, and the Red Devils have struggled with their defense. Joselu and Perez produced magic last year, and this game could be high scoring if the Magpies get an early goal.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
There is a ton of value in Newcastle United at this price. Old Trafford is not the homefield advantage it once was and an early goal would likely turn the fans’ ire on Mourinho. Take a chance on the Magpies on the three-way line here.
English Premier League Odds: Newcastle United 3, Manchester United 2
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