Newport County, who currently sit 14th in League Two, the fourth tier of the FA pyramid, will play Manchester United for the first time ever on Sunday.
The Exiles (what an awesome name) as they’re known, will face United in the FA Cup’s fourth round, at their 7,500 seat capacity home in South Wales.
FA Cup Fourth Round FYIs
Manchester United at Newport County
Kick: Sun. Jan. 28, 7:45pm, Rodney Parade, South Wales, UK
MUFC Preview Material: Team News Starting XI Prediction
Book on the Premier League authored by The Sports Bank Founder Paul M. Banks: go here
Fun Fact: This will be only the second time that United have played a FA Cup match in Wales.
How will United boss Erik ten Hag shape his side against these Welsh minnows? Well, it won’t be his strongest side, to be sure, but it won’t be his weakest either. Ten Hag will mix and match starters and reserves here, just as he has with cup competition all season long.
Barring a very shocking upset, United should cruise here.
Man United Starting XI Prediction at Newport County (FA Cup 4th Round)
Altay Bayindir; Tyrell Malacia, Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Diogo Dalot; Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro; Christian Eriksen, Amad Diallo, Alejandro Garnacho; Marcus Rashford
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He’s written for numerous publications, including the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. He regularly appears on NTD News and WGN News Now, while writing for the International Baseball Writers Association of America. You can follow the website on Twitter.