United prepare for Toon trip
v. Toon
By Chris,
February 22 2008
Manchester United must be warned against complacency on Saturday as they travel to St.James’ Park. Kevin Keegan is still looking for his first win since making a surprise return to the hot-seat, and there is nothing that the Toon Army would like more than to see that result come against Sir Alex Ferguson’s men.
The Barcodes are without a win in their last nine league outings and find themselves hovering nervously above the dreaded drop zone. They leaked an astounding six goals at Old Trafford earlier in the season it’s no shock to see United go into the game as heavy favourites.
However, Newcastle are certainly due a win and United must show the struggling Geordies full respect as they look to keep their title challenge on track.
Keegan has received a much-needed boost with Habib Beye, Abdoulaye Faye, Geremi and Obafemi Martins all returning to the fray after involvement in the African Nations Cup.
Sir Alex has no fresh injury concerns and will be desperate to avoid his side suffering successive Premier League defeats for the first time in 107 outings. We could be eight points behind the Gooners at kick-off so a positive result is crucial for the Champions. It’s a 5.15pm kick-off on Tyneside.
I know the two say the hatchet has been well and truly buried, but I reckon Keegan's still quietly riled and would still love it if he beat us. Not to mention the numerous beatings we've given them over the years since then, aswell as the 6-0 thumping last month, they'll be well up for this one.
I know we usually go up there and walk all over that sorry excuse for a football team, but I have a feeling this won't be half as easy.
Good preview.