The Reds welcome Alan Pardew’s high-flying Magpies to M16...
Form guide
United’s hopes of topping Group C in the UEFA Champions League were dealt a severe blow by a 2-2 draw against Benfica on Tuesday, meaning the Reds must now avoid defeat against FC Basel to ensure qualification to the last 16. Sir Alex Ferguson’s men are encouraged by some solid domestic form though, following three consecutive wins and clean sheets in the Barclays Premier League. Similarly, Newcastle have been impressive in the top flight this term and have collected a total of 25 points from a possible 36. However, Pardew’s side suffered their first defeat at the hands of Manchester City last weekend and the trip to Old Trafford is of course considered another acid test.
Ins and outs
The treatment room at Carrington has become less crowded after several first-team players returned from injury, including Chris Smalling, who enjoyed a brief cameo against Benfica while Darron Gibson and Rafael are back in contention following a successful run-out for the Reserves. Sir Alex is also boosted by the return of Wayne Rooney and Nemanja Vidic after both missed Tuesday’s Champions League match, however Tom Cleverley, Michael Owen and Anderson are all unavailable. Newcastle, boosted by the return of Hatem Ben Arfa at the Etihad Stadium, will run a last test on midfielder Cheick Tioté, while ex-Reds winger Gabriel Obertan is fit again after a toe injury. Sylvain Marveaux is out.
Last meeting
United moved seven points clear of Chelsea in the 2010/11 title race with a 0-0 draw against well-organised opposition at St James' Park. Both teams had strong penalty appeals turned down in a less than memorable match.
Star man
Fabricio Coloccini took time to settle on Tyneside but has benefited from a season at Championship level and emerged as a rock at the back in the top flight. The Magpies' skipper has enjoyed a tremendous start to the season and looks unflappable at the heart of the joint-meanest defence in the Barclays Premier League. He also has fond memories of Old Trafford, having made his Newcastle debut in the 1-1 draw against United at the start of the 2008/2009 campaign.
Quote/unquote
“The pressure will be on United and not us. We’re going to go there and enjoy our football and try to improve on what we did at Manchester City.” – Steven Taylor
Any sub-plots?
There are three former Reds currently plying their trade at St James' Park in the form of Alan Smith, Gabriel Obertan and Danny Simpson - although only the latter is expected to start at the Theatre of Dreams this weekend.
Whistle blower
Phil Dowd was originally down to referee Saturday’s match until an eleventh hour change replaced the Staffordshire official with Mike Jones, who has already taken charge of two United matches this season – the 2-0 win over West Brom and the Carling Cup triumph over Leeds.
Rivals watch
Chelsea host Wolves at Stamford Bridge and Arsenal entertain Fulham at the Emirates during a busy Saturday afternoon in the Barclays Premier League, before Liverpool take on leaders City at Anfield on Sunday.
source : Manutd
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