GW19 Premier League Preview: High-flying Newcastle to Trouble Old Trafford?

Welcome back to the Premier League Gameweek Preview. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and enjoyed some quality time with family and friends. After a restful Christmas, I'm back into the action as the festive football continues to flow, building up to 2025! Enjoy the article below!

The Meaty One:

Manchester United vs Newcastle 20:00 30/12

The task Ruben Amorim has on his hands is a huge one, a project which will take most likely seasons to complete. Suffering a 2-0 defeat to newly revitalised Wolves, Amorim continues his struggles in Manchester. Poor performances across the pitch, compounded by Bruno Fernandes' second red card of the campaign resulted in an awful night for The Red Devils.

Most alarming, however, was United conceding from yet another set piece. Not just any though, another goal scored directly from a corner. Following Heung-Min Son's direct corner goal in the EFL Cup, Matheus Cunha added to an unwanted statistic for United. Cunha's goal was United's 18th set-piece goal conceded this calendar year. A dreadful title to hold.

Yet, patience must be given to Amorim, as he deals with a squad of players that largely don't fit his profiles following Ten Hag's flurry of money spent in the previous seasons. Additionally, changing personnel behind the scenes combined with the Marcus Rashford debacle, I do feel Amorim has the right manager profile to cope at United. Miracles won't happen overnight though, the Portuguese will need at least 2 full seasons to get Manchester United to where he wants them to be.

Newcastle, on the other hand, are enjoying a 3-match unbeaten run in the Premier League following their 3-0 demolition of Aston Villa. Since Howe's tactical tweak to push Bruno Guimarães forward with Sandro Tonali operating as the forward-thinking defensive midfield crusher, Newcastle's fortunes have changed.

In particular, the return to immense form of Alexander Isak has not gone unnoticed. Now on to 11 goals for the campaign, scoring at least once in his last 5 games, the Swede is exuding confidence up top. When your frontman is in a rich vain of scoring form, it immediately lifts the team, knowing that their striker will find a way to goal.

Despite being the away team, Newcastle will fancy themselves here. The Red Devils will be under immense pressure from a home crowd that are growing tired of seeing their side drop stinker after stinker. Amorim will be aware of Newcastle's electric pace on the transition, perhaps pushing him to play in a more defensive and pragmatic way. Either way, I predict Newcastle to win this game comfortably with all of Gordon, Isak and Murphy getting involved in the goals.

Jack's Prediction: Manchester United 0-3 Newcastle

The Goals Fest:

Spurs vs Wolves 15:00 29/12

As a Spurs fan, it has been rough viewing these last few weeks. Barring an easy win against Southampton and making it through to the EFL Cup semi-final, it has been sheer misery. In the Premier League since our monumental 4-0 win against City, we've won 1 of our last 6 games - sigh.

Indeed, injuries have been far from ideal, seeing the likes of integral cogs Van de Ven, Romero, Udogie, Bentancur and Vicario either injured or suspended. Yet, this has allowed exciting prospects to get some game time, with the likes of Djed Spence and Archie Gray impressing. However, with Spence suspended and Dragusin going off injured, the backline is looking extremely light on the ground. As it stands, I envision us playing a back 4 of Reguilón - Udogie - Gray - Porro. Reguilón, who's last start was on the 16th April 2022, has a real opportunity to show Ange what he's been missing, should Postecoglou opt for the Spaniard. Alternatively, young Alfie Dorrington may get a first senior start in the Premier League.

Not only have injuries been an issue of late, but just the all-round performances have been so under-par. Against Nottingham Forest, despite dominating the ball, we couldn't produce anything. When we did find openings, poor finishing from Brennan Johnson frustrated fans. Indeed, the loss to Liverpool was expected, but at least The Lilywhites put up a fight!

In the away corner, Wolves are enjoying an unbeaten start under their new manager Vitor Pereira. A 3-0 win against Leicester, followed by a 2-0 win against United, life under the Portuguese has started well. Notably, Pereira has got Wolves back to being disciplined and tough to break down, whilst quick on the counter-attack. Functioning in a back-3 system, Semedo and Ait-Nouri are bombing down the flanks, with Matheus Cunha tasked with being the creative magician in the middle of the park. All this seems reminiscent of Nuno's Wolves, perhaps something the ownership have looked to recreate to restore trust amongst fans.

I genuinely fear for this game as my side look extremely light on the ground. Wolves' back 3, 5 at times, is something we famously struggle against under Ange. If Wolves can win the ball back in their own half, a quick transition could destroy our weak backline, especially as it will be a mishmash of full-backs and inexperienced talent. Daniel Levy: you should be already planning defensive reinforcements for January, if you haven't yet, this game will likely give you another reason why.

Jack's Prediction: Spurs 1-3 Wolves.

The Six-pointer:

Crystal Palace vs Southampton 15:00 29/12

Ivan Juric will be looking for his first win as Saints boss as his side face another London side in the form of Crystal Palace. Falling to a marginal 1-0 defeat to West Ham, Southampton looked more resilient than under previous manager Russell Martin.

Operating in a 3-4-1-2 formation, Southampton looked more assured going forward and defensively. They created more big chances than their opponents (4 v 2), produced more saves (1 v 5) and had more possession (54% v 46%), suggesting that it was a promising first step for the Croatian. Their poor finishing suggests a side low on confidence, which is understandable, but Juric's intensity that he employed at Torino was seen at St Mary's Stadium on Boxing Day.

Yet, a trip to Selhurst Park will be no easy task. With only 1 defeat in 7, Oliver Glasner's Crystal Palace have returned to being a tricky team to beat. Held to a 0-0 draw with high-flying Bournemouth in a game that could've swung either way, The Eagles look much more resolute. Eze's return is timely as well, adding to their attacking impetus which was lacking at the start of the season.

Both sides need the points here to make some ground up. For Southampton, being six points adrift of Ipswich who host Chelsea, a win would make up significant ground heading into the New Year. For Crystal Palace, a win would give them more breathing space from the relegation zone, potentially extending their gap to 6 points.

Jack's Prediction: Crystal Palace 2-1 Southampton.