Title chasing Man Utd pay midweek visit to St James'

Match Preview


Tuesday, 19 April 2011 - KO 7:45pm
Newcastle United vs. Manchester United
St James' Park


Manchester United will travel to the North East looking to bounce back from a derby defeat on Saturday, at the hands of Manchester City. That defeat to their noisy neighbours was United's first defeat in 7 matches, and will want to bounce straight back with a win to continue their march on the title. Newcastle, however, will take great encouragement from results in and around them over the weekend, and a win would see them rise above Aston Villa to 9th place on 42 points - surely enough to beat the drop?


The reverse fixture saw Newcastle travel to Old Trafford for their first game in the Premier League since promotion, which saw the Red Devils run out comfortable 3-0 winners. When looking at the head to head between the 2 sides, it would seem foolish to bet on the Magpies, having not registered a win over Man Utd since September 2001, with a pulsating 4-3 victory at St James' Park. Almost 10 years on, can Newcastle upset United's title charge with a win?


Team News


Manchester United will be boosted massively with the return of Wayne Rooney to their ranks, after the striker completed his 2 match ban for swearing at a TV camera during his sides 4-2 win against West Ham. However, they will be without Paul Scholes after receiving a straight red card for his horror tackle on Pablo Zabaleta at Wembley at the weekend. There is also a chance that Michael Owen might make an appearance against his former employers. Owen's 4 years on Tyneside were plagued with injury, meaning the Geordie faithful never got to see their record signing on a regular enough basis.


The home side have problems of their own, with captain Kevin Nolan suspended for two games after reaching 10 cautions for the season, meaning the Scouser will also miss the trip to Blackpool on Saturday. Player of the season candidate Cheik Tiote is welcomed back to the midfield after serving his suspension for racking up 10 yellow cards also, as well as Shola Ameobi potentially leading the line. Another welcome site for Toon fans will be the inclusion of Stephen Ireland, who is set to feature at some point during the game, where he'll make his debut for the club.


Key Players


Newcastle United: 

Player of the season?

Cheik Tiote - The Ivorian has missed the last two matches through suspension, but comes back for this vital clash. He has been a dynamo in the middle of the park for United this season, and if he can get in and about the Man Utd engine room, Newcastle have a real chance of walking away with something.


Joey Barton - Much maligned for his off field antics, Barton has really knuckled down in the last 18 months and has been at the heart of most things good for Newcastle. A threat with his delivery, Man Utd must stop him providing.


Manchester United:

Back on form, Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney - The England hit-man has netted against the Magpies 9 times in the Premier League and will keep the Newcastle back line busy all evening with an energetic display.


Nemanja Vidic - Captain of the Reds, the big Serbian centre half has been key to Man Utd's defensive stability over the last couple of seasons and could make it tough for the Toon's paper thin attack.


The game will be refereed by Lee Probert. The Gloucestershire born official has taken charge of 21 games so far this season, showing 5 red cards and awarding just 3 penalties. He last officiated at St James' Park in November, when Fulham held the Magpies to a 0-0 draw.


Potential Line Up's


NUFC - Harper (GK)
Simpson Coloccini Williamson Enrique
R.Taylor Barton Tiote Jonas
Lovenkrands Ameobi


MUFC - Van Der Sar (GK)
O'Shea Ferdinand Vidic Evra
Nani Carrick Park Giggs
Berbatov Rooney