Premier League Matchweek 18 – Boxing Day
Friday, December 26, 2025
Old Trafford, Manchester
Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
The only Premier League fixture on Boxing Day
Manchester United vs Newcastle United Prediction
Manchester United host Newcastle United in a blockbuster Boxing Day Premier League clash at Old Trafford. With festive bragging rights and vital points on the line, this highly anticipated encounter sees two sides looking to end 2025 on a positive note.
United sit around 7th with 26 points, but Ruben Amorim’s side have struggled for consistency in recent weeks. Newcastle, currently 11th on 23 points, arrive after surrendering a two-goal lead in a dramatic 2–2 draw with Chelsea.
Manchester United’s injury crisis particularly the absence of Bruno Fernandes makes this a difficult assignment against a Newcastle side brimming with confidence in this fixture. United have struggled without their captain, while Newcastle’s counter attacking style suits games like this.
Goals look likely, with Over 2.5 Goals and Both Teams to Score (BTTS) strong trends in Newcastle matches.
Manchester United Form & Standout Players
Manchester United face a challenging test amid a growing injury list and several key absentees. Despite this, the Red Devils will lean on their strong Boxing Day record, having won more Premier League matches on December 26 than any other club.
Manchester United Key Players (2025/26)
- Top Goalscorer: Bryan Mbeumo (6 goals)
- Most Assists: Bruno Fernandes (7 assists)
- Most Suspensions: Casemiro (7)
- Most Minutes Played: Bruno Fernandes (1478’)
Fernandes has been United’s creative heartbeat this season, making his absence particularly significant.
Manchester United Injuries & Absentees
- Bruno Fernandes – Hamstring injury (late January 2026)
- Kobbie Mainoo – Calf injury (early January 2026)
- Matthijs de Ligt – Back injury
- Harry Maguire – Knock
- Bryan Mbeumo – Away on international duty
- Amad Diallo – Away on international duty
- Noussair Mazraoui – Away on international duty
Casemiro returns from suspension, while younger defenders are expected to step up.
Newcastle United Form & Standout Players
Newcastle have enjoyed recent dominance in this fixture, winning five of the last six meetings across all competitions, including a 2–0 win at Old Trafford last season.
Newcastle United Key Players
- Top Goalscorer: Nick Woltemade (7 goals)
- Most Assists: Dan Burn (2 assists)
- Most Suspensions: Dan Burn (5)
- Most Minutes Played: Bruno Guimarães (1390’)
Woltemade has been in fine form, while Guimarães continues to dictate play from midfield.
Newcastle United Injuries & Absentees
- Tino Livramento – Knee injury (mid-January 2026)
- Jamaal Lascelles – Muscle injury (early January 2026)
- Dan Burn – Rib injury (mid-January 2026)
- Sven Botman – Back injury
- Kieran Trippier – Hamstring injury (early January 2026)
- Emil Krafth – Knee injury (early January 2026)
- Will Osula – Ankle injury (mid-January 2026)
- Nick Pope – Knock (late fitness test)
Head-to-Head Record
- Newcastle are unbeaten in the last five Premier League meetings (W4 D1)
- The Magpies won 2–0 at Old Trafford last season
- Manchester United’s last win over Newcastle came in the 2023 Carabao Cup final
Predicted Lineups
Manchester United (Manager: Ruben Amorim) – 3-4-2-1
Predicted XI:
Senne Lammens; Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven, Luke Shaw; Diogo Dalot, Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, Patrick Dorgu; Mason Mount, Matheus Cunha; Benjamin Šeško
Key Men:
- Benjamin Šeško – Leading the line
- Matheus Cunha – Creative spark in Fernandes’ absence
- Mason Mount – Energy and pressing from midfield
Newcastle United (Manager: Eddie Howe) – 4-3-3
Predicted XI:
Aaron Ramsdale; Lewis Miley, Malick Thiaw, Fabian Schär, Lewis Hall; Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimarães, Joelinton (or Jacob Ramsey); Jacob Murphy, Nick Woltemade, Anthony Gordon
Key Men:
- Anthony Gordon – Pace on the counter
- Bruno Guimarães – Midfield control
- Nick Woltemade – Clinical finishing
Final Verdict:
Manchester United 1–2 Newcastle United or Manchester United 2–2 Newcastle United
Newcastle’s pace and physicality could expose United’s depleted midfield and defence, allowing the Magpies to claim another statement win at Old Trafford.