Manchester United have a 100% home record this season ahead of Newcastle United’s trip to Old Trafford.
At first glance, Manchester United’s game with Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Saturday has the appearance of a home banker.
The Red Devils have won eight from eight on their own turf in all competitions this season, keeping seven clean sheets and scoring 23 goals.
Newcastle have also only won once on 36 visits to ‘The Theatre of Dreams’, although that was as recently as 2013 courtesy of Yohan Cabaye’s strike.
Yohan Cabaye celebrates scoring the winner against Manchester United at Old Trafford in 2013
However, there is one surprising statistic that Rafael Benitez’s side may be able to lean on for comfort.
Newcastle are actually the second most creative side away from home in the Premier League this season, averaging a total of 15.4 shots per match – only the free-scoring Manchester City average more.
That 7.4 of those shots come from inside the penalty area – third to City and Liverpool – show that Newcastle are at least getting into goalscoring positions, even if they aren’t finding the net that regularly.
The Magpies have just three away league goals to their name and have failed to score in three of five away matches.
But if they can continue to get their shots away at their current rate, it will only be a matter of time before Newcastle pick up a big away scalp.
Could that be Manchester United at Old Trafford this weekend?
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