Newcastle play host to Manchester United this afternoon in a 5.15pm kick off. It is the second time they have played the Red Devils, this side of Christmas, the first ending in a 6-0 defeat under caretaker manager Nigel Pearson. Manager Kevin Keegan used the break of the FA Cup weekend to take his team "back to basics" and hopes that he will see an improved performance on the pitch today.
Newcastle are without Stephen Carr, Emre and Obafemi Martins who is unable to play due to an ankle injury sustained whilst on International duty for Nigeria in the African Cup of Nations.
The side will welcome back Charles N'Zogbia who missed the game against Villa two weeks ago due to a suspension, and Shay Given is fit to play after suffering with a groin strain picked up at Villa Park.
Manchester United will miss out on Gary Neville and Mikael Silvestre, but with Ryan Giggs due to be in the team after a minor injury against Lyon midweek, Alex Ferguson is with a complete squad.
Newcastle are yet to win a game this year in the Premier League, their last win being against Stoke City just prior to Keegan's return.
Manchester United are having a blistering season, consistently swapping places on the top spot with contenders Arsenal. Their last set back was an astonishing defeat against Manchester City in a game which also marked the 50th anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster. However, they bounced back to show Arsenal exactly who was in control with a 4-0 win against their rivals last weekend to knock them out of the FA Cup.
Keegan gave the following interview inadvance of the match:
"A couple of weeks ago, Manchester City showed if you do everything right, if you press at the right time, if you get a little bit in their faces at the right time and then have the courage to play - and they are three big asks - then you can cause them problems as well.
They are not infallible - no football team is - but they are a very good side."
Well, if he's not starting there either (1) is something wrong with him, or (2) yet another manager is not impressed with him for some reason. I'm hoping he'll be our spark in the middle....lord knows we need it.
On a brighter note, I'm psyched up to see Carroll hit the pitch with Owen at some point
I hate watching this... why the heck is Smith playing. Love his passion, attitude but he's not doing the team any good. Bring him off and give Carroll a chance.
We have good wingers who can whip in crosses.. but need height to challenge the defenders! Milner looking pretty good today but Duff not in the game enough.
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