Manchester United will look to be at the top of the table when they pay a visit to St James Park (Sports Direct Arena) to play against Newcastle United on Wednesday night.
Newcastle were the surprise package this time around as they managed to be in the top four for a long while into the season with some good results. Their defending had been quite brilliant until that fateful moment when Steven Taylor was ruled out for the rest of the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Thereafter, Newcastle have suffered since meeting better opponents – the traditional top 4, and then Spurs, who inflicted some damage on the Magpies.
Newcastle fans have also had to contend with a change in the name of their century old stadium – St James Park – to Sports Direct Arena, thanks to the whims and fancies of owner Mike Ashley, who is a man, who is determined to extract every penny that is available from the club.
Going into this match, Newcastle will be heavily dependent on four – five players to keep the scores respectable. The goalkeeper - Tim Krul, has been a tremendous asset for the Magpies this season and I am anticipating another fantastic display from this man. Skipper Fabricio Coloccini will need to mark Wayne Rooney out of the game if Newcastle want to earn points on Wednesday. Midfield duo of Cheick Tiote and Yohan Cabaye will also need to be at their very best along with Demba Ba, who has been Newcastle’s go to man this season.
Manchester United, on the other hand will look to bag all three points at St James Park and the Red Devils have a fantastic record at this stadium. The fact that Newcastle managed a draw in the reverse fixture sometime ago will serve as extra motivation for United to up their game and remain in contention for the League trophy.
Anders Lindegaard is expected to start at goal following the costly blunders by David De Gea the other day although I would not rule out Sir Alex starting the Spanish goalkeeper yet again. Jonny Evans should start in defence alongside Phil Jones with Rafael and Evra occupying the full-back slots.
Antonio Valencia and Nani are expected to start on the wings while Anderson makes a return to the starting lineup alongside Michael Carrick in the middle of the park. Tom Cleverley is also stated to make his comeback, but he is expected to be on the bench.
Wayne Rooney, who has a phenomenal record against the Toons will start alongside Dimitar Berbatov, who has found favor after scoring 5 goals in a couple of matches last week.