Newport County vs Man United: Preview, Team News, Lineups, H2H, Prediction, Odds and Telecast
Newport County vs Man United Preview
League Two mid-table side Newport County will host Premier League giants Manchester United in the Fourth Round of the FA Cup on Sunday, January 28.
Newport enter this contest on the back of a fine run of form in the last few weeks. They have lost just once in their last 10 games, earning five wins and four draws as well. Irishman Graham Couglan’s men played replays in each of the previous two rounds to progress, though.
They overcame Barnet in the first round (1-1, 1-4) and then eliminated Eastleigh (1-1, 1-3). The opportunity to host a PL giant at their ground is not many smaller clubs get and Newport will look to capitalize on the occasion.
Manchester United, on the other hand, have had a mixed run of form of late. They have picked up two wins in their last five, but have lost twice and drawn once. What’s worrying is those defeats came against opponents much lower than them in the table (Nottingham, West Ham). Erik ten Hag’s men brushed aside Wigan Athletic 2-0 in the previous round to progress.
With little to no hope of winning any other silverware this season, the Red Devils could shift their focus towards winning another FA Cup.
On that note, let’s take a look at the team news.
Team News & Probable Lineups
Newport County
Young center-back Josh Seberry is the only player who will miss the game for the hosts owing to a broken fibula suffered in October. Besides that, Coughlan is expected to field a full-strength lineup against their toughest opposition of the season so far.
Probable XI: Nick Townsend (GK), Shane McLoughlin, James Clarke, Scot Bennett, Ryan Delaney (C), Adam Lewis, Bryn Morris, Harry Charsley, Aaron Wildig, Will Evans, Sebastian Palmer-Houlden.
Man United
Erik ten Hag will be without long-term absentees Tyrell Malacia, Harry Maguire, and Victor Lindelof, all of whom have missed more than five games already. Andre Onana (Cameroon) and Sofyan Amrabat (Morocco) are unavailable due to their participation at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Considering the squad at his disposal, ten Hag is once again likely to field an XI mixed with youth and experience. Onana’s Cameroon have been eliminated from the AFCON but Altay Bayindir or Tom Heaton could deputize in his absence.
Probable XI: Andre Onana (GK), Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Jonny Evans, Diogo Dalot, Scott McTominay, Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes (C), Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund.
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Head-to-Head & Prediction
This will be the first competitive meeting between the two clubs since their respective foundations. Considering there are three divisions between the two teams, there is an obvious gulf in class between Newport and Man United. The visitors, despite being in a weak phase, should have too much in the tank for their hosts. They will also have a busy schedule in the coming weeks and will look to finish this game as early as possible.
Prediction: Newport County 0-3 Manchester United.
Betting Tips
- Under 3.5 Goals: Yes.
- Rasmus Hojlund to Score Anytime.
- Man United to Win Both Halves.
Odds
- Newport County Win: 34.00
- Draw: 15.00
- Man United Win: 1.08
Top Players to Watch
Newport County
Forward Will Evans has been the standout performer for Newport this season and is miles ahead of his teammates in terms of numbers. With 16 goal contributions already in League Two, Evans has nearly doubled the tally of second-placed Omar Bogle (9 G/A).
Having scored and assisted in his team’s 3-1 win over Eastleigh in the Third Round replay, the 26-year-old Welshman will look to extend his run of good form.
Man United
United have struggled to score goals freely, with multiple players taking up the responsibility of producing the goods. Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes both have six goal contributions in the PL this season but their form has recently dried up.
Rasmus Hojlund, on the other hand, has come into his own and looks much more settled compared to when he arrived. This game could be the ideal opportunity for the Dane to flex his goalscoring muscles against a relatively lesser opponent.
Newport County vs Man United Timings & Telecast
- Date & Time: Sunday, January 28th 10 PM (IST).
- India: Sony Sports Network, SonyLIV app & website.
- UK: BBC & ITV.
- US: ESPN.
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