Newcastle v United Preview!

Having seen any dreams of doing the Treble wiped out by our noisy-neighbours, Manchester United travel to St James Park this Tuesday evening determined to keep their campaign for a record 19th title on track. With Arsenal having dropped two points, to Liverpool, on Sunday, a victory at St James Park would see us firmly in the driving seat.

Losing on Saturday, against Manchester City, was hard to take but our club captain and our fantastic manager both know it`s time to move on and have given the media some superb quotes ahead of the clash.

Nemanja Vidic, had this to say,

"Until the goal we had the better chances but we didn`t take them, and one moment of lost concentration cost us the game. It`s difficult to take, but this can still be a great season."

"We know it will be hard to win two trophies, but now we have to prepare the best we can to face Newcastle on Tuesday."

Whilst Sir Alex Ferguson has commented,

"Going to Newcastle is the most important game we have coming up because the league is still our first priority... So Tuesday is absolutely crucial for us and I think everybody knows when you go to Newcastle you have to deal with the atmosphere up there."

It`s already looking like a tasty fixture.

Alan Pardew has a few injury concerns ahead of the match. Definitely out of contention are Ben Arfa, Best, Smith and Gosling whilst Harper is rated as doubtful.

With Nolan suspended Pardew, without the transfer window sale of Carroll, may well recall Shola Ameobi.

Not everybody`s cup of tea but, we reckon, a very under-rated player. If he could have kept his temper in check he could have achieved far greater things.

Sir Alex Ferguson will be without a few of his walking wounded in the shape of Anders Lindegaard, Darren Fletcher, Owen Hargreaves and Rafael.

The squad is also further depleted by the fact that Paul Scholes will be starting a three game ban after that poor challenge in the Wembley semi-final saw his shown a straight red card.

But, on a positive note, Sir Alex will be able to call upon Wayne Rooney and Jonny Evans, both of whom have served their bans.

It`ll be interesting to see how much squad rotation Sir Alex uses for this game.

Didn`t look a happy-bunny sitting out the Wembley semi-final and will be raring to get those boots on again.

There have been some decent games between the two sides in recent years although the record books show that United have the upper hand.

In the last 16 fixtures United have registered 13 wins. In fact United have not lost at St James Park since September 2001.

The reciprocating fixture at Old Trafford saw United register a healthy 3-0 win, more of the same please.

Our officials for this one are Lee Probert (referee), Andy Halliday & Trevor Massey (assistants) and Jon Moss (fourth official)

United have a history of bouncing back after a defeat and I reckon that`ll be the case on Tuesday evening. Newcastle are not in the best of form and I reckon we`ll get the three points to open up that gap between us and Arsenal even further. 3-0 to United.

Next up for Sir Alex Ferguson and his side is a home encounter with Everton on St George`s Day

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