Newport County vs Manchester United FA Cup Preview

January 28, 2024
Aditya Bose
Sports
0

Newport County will take on Manchester United in the FA Cup Fourth Round and a miracle might be possible

Newport County faces a daunting challenge in their match against Manchester United. However, if everything aligns perfectly for them, they might just be able to achieve a remarkable upset. On the other hand, it’s also possible that Manchester United, being a significantly stronger team, could effortlessly overpower Newport County.

Newport is currently positioned 14th in League Two, making them one of the lower-ranked teams remaining in the competition. On the other hand, Manchester United holds the eighth spot in the top tier of English football, and it’s no surprise that there is a significant difference in the value of their squads.

There is no denying that the excitement of the cup will be fully present in this match. Manchester United has faced numerous challenges in what can only be described as a dismal season. The FA Cup represents one of their few remaining opportunities to secure a trophy.

In the previous round, they managed to secure a comfortable 2-0 victory against Wigan Athletic, but they should brace themselves for a challenging experience at Newport’s notorious and heavily utilised Rodney Parade ground. This presents a golden chance for the club to face off against a prominent opponent and secure crucial financial benefits for their impressive performance in the competition thus far.

Team News- Manchester United

It appears that United’s injury situation has been quite challenging throughout the season. However, there seems to be some positive developments in the treatment room as things are starting to improve. There is a possibility that Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire might be back in action for the upcoming match against Newport. Additionally, Lisandro Martinez could potentially be in the starting lineup after his substitute appearance against Spurs.

Possibly, Casemiro could find himself in the starting lineup, with the potential inclusion of Amad Diallo and Mason Mount following their respective recoveries. Unfortunately, Anthony Martial, Tyrell Malacia, and Victor Lindelof will all be sidelined due to injuries. Martial will be out for ten weeks with a groyne issue, while Malacia and Lindelof are also dealing with knee and groyne problems, respectively. Andre Onana and Sofyan Amrabat are currently unavailable as they continue to represent their respective nations in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Jonny Evans and Marcus Rashford are currently facing some uncertainty due to illness, but it is expected that they will recover in time for the upcoming trip. Altay Bayindır is set to make his debut for the club on Sunday evening as Erik ten Hag announced that he will be stepping in for Onana in goal.

Team News- Newport County

Graham Coughlan is left with the regretful absence of Josh Seberry due to his fractured fibula and Declan Drysdale who recently had a hamstring injury. It appears that Coughlan may continue to use the same lineup which helped him secure a 1-0 win over Wrexham into United’s next game.

New signing striker Luke Jephcott will get the chance to debut in front of home fans, after his switch from St. Johnstone from Scottish Premiership side. Since his spells at Plymouth Argyle and Swindon Town, the latest recruit to the Exiles’ team will look forward in improving their attacking prowess.

Will Evans is the player that the underdogs will be hoping can lead them to a stunning victory in the FA Cup. The 26-year-old forward has already scored an impressive 17 goals this season for the Exiles, who are currently in the play-off race. He will undoubtedly be eager to capitalise on the opportunities he receives on the pitch.

Head-To-Head and Key Numbers for Newport County vs Manchester United

Manchester United has a perfect score against Newport County by bagging four consecutive wins with the same team. The previous FA Cup involvement between the two teams was on 16th February this year, whereby Newport County suffered a heavy defeat of four goals to one at home ground in Rodney Parade Stadium. Newport has won all seven of their latest home matches.

In this phase, they have achieved three wins and four draws since their last loss to Bristol Rovers on November 14 in a tight 1-0 game. Manchester United have had a modest away form in recent weeks. From their previous six away games of various competitions, they have only won one. However, they have suffered three losses and drawn twice since late November.