Boxing Day Premier League punters have full focus on Manchester United versus Newcastle at Old Trafford - the only contest of the day - and a huge television audience is expected for the 8pm kick-off.
Newcastle can pull level on points with Manchester United should they triumph at the Old Trafford on Sunday, but the home side have started to get some decent results under Ruben Amorim and will approach the match in positive fashion.
We have come up with a suggested Bet Builder for the big clash which, if successful, would return at 9/2.
Manchester United vs Newcastle Bet Builder Tips
Slovenian star can shine for hosts
Ruben Amorim has got to reshuffle his pack, having lost Bruno Fernandes to injury, and it remains to be seen what the Manchester United manager does.
Fernandes is arguably the most important player in United’s team, so seeing him forced off at Aston Villa was a hammer blow.
The most likely scenario is for Amorim to recall Casemiro, who has served his suspension, to anchor the midfield, with Mason Mount moved deeper in the side to act as the most offensive central midfielder.
With Mount out of the forward line, and Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo away at the African Cup of Nations, it would be a shock should Amorim not start with Benjamin Sesko as the fulcrum of the attack.
Sesko is yet to justify his enormous transfer fee, having joined from Leipzig in August, but he is settling into life at Old Trafford and could have a big Christmas.
Sesko to get on the scoresheet can start the Bet Builder.
Leg 1: Benjamin Sesko to score @ 19/10
High-scoring match anticipated
Both Manchester United and Newcastle struggle to keep clean sheets, so an entertaining fixture seems likely at the Theatre of Dreams.
Only five teams in the Premier League have conceded more goals this season than Manchester United, while Newcastle have shipped 17 goals in their last ten matches, failing to keep a clean sheet in any of them.
A positive approach can be expected from both sides and it would be a surprise should there be only two goals or fewer in the match.
Leg 2: Over 2.5 goals @ 8/13
Red Devils can edge out vulnerable Magpies
Goals seem certain to be on the menu in this match – and Manchester United can outgun their out-of-form visitors.
The loss of Fernandes is significant, but it will give others a chance to lead and inspire, and some players may relish the extra responsibility in the absence of the team’s undisputed talisman.
Harry Maguire may return to add some presence to the defence, while Casemiro can add a vast amount of experience to the midfield.
With Mount and Matheus Cunha pushing and probing in the final third, if Sesko can convert some of the chances his colleagues create, Manchester United can win the match and move into the European places, going above Liverpool in the process.
Leg 3: Manchester United to win @ 11/8
