MANCHESTER UNITED face the classic FA Cup David v Goliath tie when they travel to South Wales on Sunday to face League Two minnows Newport County.
The Old Trafford giants have not had their troubles to seek in a miserable season and you can be sure that the FA Cup will be targeted as one of the only trophies they can win this term.
In the last round, they dealt with a potential banana skin comfortably enough with a 2-0 win at Wigan, but they will get a culture shock at Newport's ramshackle Rodney Parade ground.
They have erected temporary stands for the sold-out clash and the pitch – which they share with rugby union side Dragons RFC – is patchy and far from the best.
Managed by former Livingston star Graham Coughlin, they currently sit in 14th place in the fourth tier and look unlikely to trouble the play-off or relegation places.
They will be buoyed by three wins in a row – the last of which was a 1-0 win over Welsh media darlings rivals Wrexham. They have defeated Oldham Athletic, then Barnet and Eastleigh both after replays. United will be the first Football League club they have faced this season in the FA Cup.
How the bookies view it
Manchester United are as short as 1/20 in places although bet365 go 1/14.
Newport County can be backed at 33/1 with 10Bet and the draw is 14/1 with Paddy Power.
Recent head to heads
The clubs have never met either when Newport County were in their original form before going bankrupt in 1989 and from their current club, which reformed and entered the League again in 2013.
Players to watch
Seb Palmer-Houlden was the hero against Wrexham last week and also netted against Doncaster Rovers two games ago. He is 7/1 to score anytime with bet365.
Rasmus Hojlund has had his fair share of criticism since his £72 million move and has taken a long time to adjust, but he looks to be heading in the right direction now after two goals in his last three games. He is 4/5 to score anytime with Betfred.
Anything else catch the eye?
As much as United are just about the last team to be trusted to justfy odds of up to 1/20, they should overcome the conditions and determination of Newport to get through, but don't expect a massacre.
United have only twice won by more than two goals this season and it's hard to see them running up a cricket score in that pitch. Go for an away win and under 3.5 goals at a decent 13/8 with Paddy Power.
The home side are also 6/5 with a three-goal handicap and given that United have not scored four goals in any match this season, it's worth a stab on the hosts with Coral.
This FA Cup match between Newport County and Manchester United will be played on Jan 28, 2024 and kick off at 16:30. Check below for our tipsters best Newport County vs Manchester United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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