Manchester United vs Newcastle United - English Premier League

Manchester United vs Newcastle United
Premier League: 13. Round
Date : 26. November 2011
Stadium : Old Trafford (Manchester)

Second placed Manchester United host fourth placed Newcastle on Saturday as Alan Pardew's side take another chance to prove that their great start to the season can turn into a great campaign overall. The Magpies sit in fourth having suffered their first defeat of the season last time out against Manchester City. How United deal with them in comparison to their title rivals may be a good litmus test of their quality at this stage of the season.

Wayne Rooney is doubtful for the game having missed out on the Champions League game in midweek; Welbeck should be fit to return but Smalling, Cleverley and Owen are out. United will have some confidence going into the game having never been defeated by Newcastle at Old Trafford, and having kept five clean sheets from their last seven in this fixture. Another clean sheet could be essential given their recent run of 1-0 victories; they haven't won any of the last three Premier League games in which they've conceded.

Pardew will be desperate to have linchpin Cheick Tioté fit for this game after his knee ligament problem. The Ivorian has been essential to breaking up attacks and has formed a strong partnership with Cabaye in midfield. Injuries to Marveaux and Obertan limit options on the wings, although Ben Arfa has shown some signs of returning to his pre-injury form since returning in September.

HEAD to HEAD
Last Meeting : 19. April 2011, Newcastle United 0-0 Manchester United
Wins Manchester United : 69
Wins Newcastle United : 33
Draws : 35

RECENT PERFORMANCE
Manchester United - W/W/W/W/D
Newcastle United - W/L/W/W/L

POSSIBLE LINE-UP
Manchester United : De Gea - Evra, Ferdinand, Vidic, Fabio, Anderson, Park, Carrick, Nani, Welbeck, Hernandez.
Newcastle United : Krul - Coloccini, Simpson, Taylor, Taylor, Cabaye, Guthrie, Ben Arfa, Gutierrez, Ba, Ameobi.

BETTING TIP / PREDICTION
Second placed Manchester United host fourth placed Newcastle on Saturday as Alan Pardew's side take another chance to prove that their great start to the season can turn into a great campaign overall.
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