Newcastle vs Manchester United.

Sports Direct Arena will play host to Newcastle v Manchester United tonight, a match-up that provided a nailbiting stalemate the last time the two storied clubs met in late November.

 Both teams will be looking to bounce back from disappointing results and it should be a hard fought affair with the start of the second half of the season bringing with it a sense of urgency for teams with concrete goals atop the EPL table.After a sublime start to the season, Newcastle have fallen mightily in recent weeks – winning just one of their last 8 games. The eradication of St James’ Park might have something to do with it, but more likely is the fact that the Magpies just haven’t been able to keep their defense tight as they did to start the season, and have seen a plethora of goals in the back of their own net. Taylor, Marveaux, Guthrie, Lovenkrands all remain out for Alan Pardew but he can count on the return of Gabriel Obertan.Man United suffered their first league defeat since their 1-6 trashing at the hands of their noisy neighbors, and while the loss wasn’t as emphatic, it was just as equally surprising given the state in which Blackburn entered the match. Alex Ferguson’s 70th birthday was spoiled beyond reconciliation with the Scottish manager now ready to have Rooney back in the starting lineup after the English international’s lack of proffesionalism following Boxing Day celebrations. United still has numerous injuries to contend with but the likes of Smalling and Ferdinand could return for Man U, who’s defense has looked susceptible in their abscence.
source: sportsopinions.com