Manchester United v. Newcastle United - Preview

Newcastle United will be seeking revenge on Manchester United as the Red Devils ended their hopes of lifting the FA Cup in Cardiff's Millennium Stadium a few weeks ago.

The Magpies have endured a torrid month, getting knocked out of both the FA Cup and Uefa Cup and also falling behind in the Premiership further.

Both sides have been the victim of Norwich's end-of-season surge recently as they look to avoid the dreaded drop into the Championship. Norwich defeated United 2-0 before beating Graeme Souness' side 2-1, courtesy of vital goals from Dean Ashton.

Sir Alex Ferguson is playing for 2nd spot and demands his side to pick up the points. "Arsenal are red-hot favourites to finish second because they have the points and have been playing quite well recently - from what I heard, they were the better team against Chelsea on Wednesday. But as Chelsea have proved time and again this season, they are very difficult to beat" 

"We have certainly put ourselves in a difficult position.

"They still have one or two difficult fixtures left and hopefully they will drop a few points but we must win all our games to capitalise on that"

"It is a different objective - that's for sure,"added the under-fire Scotsman. "But there are always challenges to face at Manchester United, it doesn't matter who we are playing or what position we are in"

"There is also a pride factor among the players: they all understand it the position we are in"

Ryan Giggs is expected to return to the starting line-up after showing promising signs in substitute appearances. The Welshman seems to have shaken off a hamstring injury.

Gary Neville and Paul Scholes are both suspended however following their antics in the midweek loss to Everton.

Kieron Dyer has completed his FA ban whilst Lee Bowyer's suspension for 'that fight' has been extended. Amdy Faye, Steven Taylor, Jermaine Jenas, Titus Bramble, Celestine Babayaro and Aaron Hughes are all expected to miss out on action.

ManUtdWeb Prediction: Manchester United 1 - 0 Newcastle United - Newcastle have only beaten United twice in their last sixteen Premiership meetings.