Newcastle United v. Manchester United - Preview

Newcastle United v. Manchester United
Saturday 23rd August 2003, St James' Park
Premier League

United romped home to an incredible 6-2 victory in this fixture last season, but a much tougher game is expected this campaign.

The Magpies opened their Premiership account with a 2-2 draw against Leeds United, and defeat tomorrow would see them fall 5 points off their ultimate ambition - the top spot in the Premiership.

United's man worry for the clash is Nicky Butt. The midfielder is expected to miss the game, following a knock he picked up in England's 3-1 friendly victory over Croatia on Wednesday. Butt's absence could well hand Eric Djemba-Djemba his first league start in a United shirt.

Kleberson could also be named amongst the squad, although after failing to impress in the mid-week reserve defeat against Blackburn Rovers, Sir Alex may decide to give the Brazilian midfielder more time to settle.

Gary Neville is set to make a welcome return to United's back-four after missing the last few weeks through injury. Neville came through Wednesday's reserve game without any troubles, and will be itching to return to senior team affairs.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who has received Rooney-esque media bombardment following his stunning debut against Bolton Wanderers, is expected to be named amongst the substitutes tomorrow. Sir Alex is expected to emulate David Moyes' protection of his young starlet, and will not want the hype to go to the strikers head.

Ferguson's fellow knight, Sir Bobby Robson, has more serious injury worries with both Craig Bellamy and Jonathan Woodgate ruled out.

Bellamy picked up a knock in Wales' European Qualification defeat at the hands of Serbia, whilst Woodgate is misses out with the stomach injury that saw him sent home from the England camp last week.

Shola Ameobi is set to partner Alan Shearer up-front, and will be desperate to take his chance as he tries to force his way into the first team, past the formidable strike partnership of the English and Welsh internationals.

Robson admits losing Bellamy and Woodgate is a massive blow to his teams chances, but is still confident his side can avenge the 5-3 and 6-2 thrashings from last season.

"It is a blow to lose two key players like Bellamy and Woodgate, but that's why we have a squad as big as we do," said Robson.

"Two others will now get a chance to impress, and there is no better game for them to try and do so."

"Despite what people say, there is never a good time to face Manchester United, but it's our first home game and we have the belief that we can beat them."

Former West Ham United and Leeds United midfielder Lee Bowyer makes his home debut for Newcastle tomorrow, and will undoubtedly receive a hostile reception from the travelling United faithful. As will Alan Shearer, who turned down the chance to play for United several years ago in favour of the Magpies.

If you fancy a bet on tomorrow's game, the Red Devils have been made favourites at 11/10. A home win is priced at 9/4, with 12/5 the draw. It's a game that always promises lots of goals, so the 0-0 has been priced highly at 9/1.

Following his well-publicised departure from Elland Road in January, Bowyer was signed by West Ham United for £500,000, which was seen as an excellent piece of business by Glenn Roeder.

However, the 26-year-old failed to have an impact at Upton Park, and was accused of a lack of passion by the Hammers faithful as his efforts couldn't keep the London club in the Premiership.

His off-the-field antics have seen him fail to come close to a place in Sven Goran Erikkson's England squad, and Bowyer will know that unless he can perform at Newcastle, he may never wear the white shirt of his country again.

Newcastle United

2

U-N-I-T-E-D

1

Manchester United

Set as Homepage

Contact the Author

Add to Favourites