Still smarting from their FA Cup ouster to Manchester City, Manchester United travel north to face Newcastle United at St. James’ Park. It is just over two years since the Red Devils’ last visit to the Magpies ground. While on FA Cup duties, Arsenal cut Manchester United’s lead atop the league table from seven points to six; thanks to a 1-1 draw against Liverpool at the Emirates.
Both sides will be meeting at Tyneside for the 74th time in all competitions; Newcastle have recorded 30 wins against Manchester United’s 27 with points shared in 16 games. The Red Devils won the reverse fixture on the opening weekend of the league back in August 2010; goals from Dimitar Berbatov, Darren fletcher and Ryan Giggs sealed a 3-0 victory at Old Trafford. The last meeting between both sides at St. James Park was in March 2009, Manchester United won that game by two goals to one. The Magpies went one to be relegated from the Premier League that season.
United have fared better in this fixture in recent times. You will have to go back ten years for Newcastle’s last league win(or any win in all competitions) over Manchester United. A true English Classic saw a Newcastle United side then managed by Sir Bobby Robson and captained by Alan Shearer edged out the Red Devils by the odd goal in a seven-goal thriller, Newcastle won that 4-3 in September 2001. This fixture has traditionally been known to produce goals and Tuesday’s game won’t be an exception.
Sir Bobby with Shearer in the background……good days gone by!
Newcastle’s last home game was the 4-1 trashing of Wolverhampton Wanderers in the first week of April. How they would love a repeat performance on Tuesday. Newcastle succumbed to a 0-1 at Villa Park in their last league game. Manchester United beat Fulham 2-0 at home in their last league fixture. The Red Devils away form have been far from impressive this season and that should give comfort to the Magpies and the Toon Army. The Red Devils last game on the road was that 4-2 win over West Ham; a game now infamous for the barrage of expletives Wayne Rooney hurled at the TV cameras and the subsequent three-match ban that followed his ill-judged actions.
Men to Watch
Steve Harper has been a long serving, loyal servant of his club and should he be fit, a busy evening awaits him given the opposition’s attack prowess. A good shot stopper, his calm demeanour between the sticks will be tested to the maximum.
Tagged as one of the best left-backs in the English Premier League, Jose Enrique is being courted by several big clubs including Liverpool. The Spaniard will be in the spotlight Tuesday evening as a match-up against Luis Nani or Antonio Valencia will sure prove interesting.
He claims to be the best English midfielder in the league and to be honest, Joey Barton cannot be far from the truth. If only his antics were channelled constructively into the game then we will all agree that Barton is a genuine contender for the midfield maestro. I expect Barton to be in the thick of the action, never far from controversy he will be the Magpies driving force in the midfield in the absence of Kevin Nolan. A typical Joey Barton performance is not complete without his customary yellow card!
I'm the best…..better than Lamps!
What is there left to say about the mercurial Ryan Giggs? The Welshman has rolled back the years in his last few games for United. After sitting out United’s FA Cup loss to City on Saturday, I expect Giggs’ recall to United’s starting XI. His experience is invaluable as evident in both legs of United’s Champions League quarter-final clash against Chelsea.
Luis Nani has definitely stepped out of Cristiano Ronaldo’s shadow and has been a revelation for United this season. Leading the assists log; Nani is a major source of United’s goals. If given the freedom of Newcastle, the Magpies will live to rue their mistake.
After completing his three-match ban for swearing at the camera, Wayne Rooney goes straight into the Red Devils attack for Tuesday’s game. And with his current form, the Roonatic will be a key figure in this game. Let’s hope he doesn’t go on another barrage of expletives should he grab a hat trick.
What?! What?! F*** off FA!! F*** off!!!
My Match Prediction
In mid-table and seven points above the relegation zone, Alan Pardew’s Newcastle side should be safe with six games left to play. With one point from the 40 needed to secure top-flight survival, Pardew will charge his team to go all out for maximum points. The problem in pressing Manchester United is the inevitability of being caught on the break. Newcastle haven’t got the best of defences and their backline will be put to test in this game. The Red Devils regular back four should be fit for this game and will be ready for the Magpies assault.
Rooney and Javier Hernandez upfront should be the obvious choice for Sir Alex Ferguson. Rooney and Chicharito have forged an understanding that has delivered goals. Looking to stretch their lead over Arsenal (who don’t play until Wednesday) to nine points. Fergie knows that any slip up by his team will throw the title race open once again; giving the chasing pack hope of catching the Red Devils.
It is going to be an exciting encounter with the potential of goals. Given the raucous support the Geordies give to their team, the Magpies will be urged on by their fans no doubt. On current form and with a three-match unbeaten run, I see United claiming yet another win over Newcastle.
United to win 3-1
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