Match Preview - Battle Of The United

By Carys Baptist
April 17 2005

After a bad week for Newcastle United they looks set to come out all guns firing reading to take on a smarting Manchester United team who lost against Norwich last weekend.

 

Both teams have a lot to prove as it its likely that this could be the only thing both teams win this season; A slight turn up for the books seeing as Manchester United treated the FA cup as a school boys game not too long ago.

 

Both teams have injuries/suspensions, the most high profile of these being the suspensions of Kieron Dyer and Lee Bowyer for Newcastle and Ryan Giggs (hamstring) and Louis Saha (calf) who are both injured for Manchester United.

 

Newcastle are also carrying several other injuries including Titus Bramble, Jermaine Jenas, Celestine Babayaro, Aaron Hughes and Charles N’Zogbia (who may play after an injury scare against Sporting Lisbon on Thursday).

 

With Manchester United desperate to win something to prove they haven’t lost it completely, Robert is an option Souness may feel forced to take despite his mid week attack on the club.

 

Alex Ferguson looks set to use the talents of Wayne Rooney, Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Cristiano Ronaldo

 

Souness’ take on the situation:

 

“This is also their last chance of a trophy so they won't be resting people. They're not used to having nothing sitting in front of them in August when they're having their team photograph taken.”

 

Alex Ferguson’s words:

 
“I've given the same advice to Ruud as my dad gave to me. Don't mess about, just blast it. So even if the keeper makes a save it looks like a fantastic one. There are goals in this team. It might only need one to get us back on track.”