vs
Manchester United vs Newcastle United
Channel 27: 1:15 am - (Live)
Manchester United's Owen Hargreaves is doubtful after picking up a rib injury in training, but a final decision will be taken as late as possible. Gary Neville will not be considered to replace the suspended Wes Brown, despite his comeback for the reserves.
Newcastle may play Obafemi Martins if he is allowed to return from Nigeria's training camp.
Stephen Carr could figure, but Habib Beye, Abdoulaye Faye and Geremi are away on international duty.
Manchester United : Van der Sar, Kuszczak, O'Shea, Simpson, Ferdinand, Pique, Vidic, Evra, Fletcher, Nani, Park, Ronaldo, Anderson, Carrick, Hargreaves, Giggs, Rooney, Saha, Tevez.
Suspended:- Wes BROWN (one match)
Newcastle : Given, Harper, Carr, N'Zogbia, Enrique, Rozehnal, Cacapa, Taylor, Edgar, Butt, Milner, Emre, Duff, LuaLua, Smith, Viduka, Owen, Martins, Carroll.
REFEREE Rob Styles (Waterlooville, Hampshire)
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Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson: "Our form has been decent and after the Christmas period, I felt we were starting to look strong again in the last 20 minutes at Aston Villa. "Our record against Newcastle is outstanding but I can't carry that into the game. "We have to produce the same performance level as we have done in the past and the same energy and hopefully get the job done."
Newcastle captain Alan Smith:"It's a difficult time for us, but we have to keep believing. "Consistency has been the most difficult thing for us this season. "But we have to stick together and be confident and brave and put on a performance like we did at Chelsea."
LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAMEManchester United 2-0 Newcastle United
1 October 2006 - Ref: Mike Dean
Man United scorers: Solskjaer 41, 49
HEAD TO HEADNewcastle's 0-2 top-flight triumph on 12 February 1972, when John Tudor and Stewart Barrowclough scored, was their only win in 41 visits since 1951. Newcastle have drawn six and lost 18 of 24 league trips subsequent to their most recent victory. The Red Devils are looking for a fourth successive home win over the Magpies, who did hold them to a 2-2 draw in their last meeting at St James' Park on New Years Day 2007.
at Man Utd onlyLeague (inc PL): Man United 42 wins, Newcastle 9, Draws 18
Prem: Man United 9 wins, Newcastle 0, Draws 5