Newcastle v Man Utd preview

Newcastle have fared dismally against Manchester United in recent times and will want to address that issue on Tuesday night.

The Magpies head into a midweek meeting with the table-topping Red Devils in the knowledge that they have won none and lost 13 of the last 16 top-flight fixtures between the two clubs.

With their last success coming way back in September 2001, the North East outfit will feel that they are due a reversal in fortune.

Unfortunately for the Magpies, they have been unable to contain United both at home and on the road.

They have taken just one point from the last 21 available from games with the Red Devils at St James’ Park.

Worryingly for Alan Pardew, he has also seen his side keep just two clean sheets in their last 15 games in front of their own supporters this season.

United will arrive on Tyneside looking to take full advantage of that leaky defence, allowing them to take another step closer to the title.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side boast a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League table with only six games of the season remaining.

A positive result on Tuesday will see them close on that particular crown, while providing the best possible response to Saturday’s disappointing FA Cup semi-final defeat to arch-rivals Manchester City.

They certainly have the firepower to worry the Magpies, with Wayne Rooney having notched nine times in his 11 appearances for United against Newcastle and Dimitar Berbatov having found the target in his previous two.

Team news

Loan signing Stephen Ireland has been included in the Newcastle squad for the first time ahead of the midweek clash.

The 24-year-old could make his debut despite spending the last few days at the bedside of partner Jessica Lawlor after she suffered multiple injuries in a road accident last week.

Midfielder Cheick Tiote and defender James Perch return from suspension, but skipper Kevin Nolan completes his two-match ban.

Goalkeeper Steve Harper has had an injection in his knee and is doubtful, while Leon Best (ankle), Dan Gosling (knee), Alan Smith (ankle) and Hatem Ben Arfa (broken leg) remain sidelined.

Rooney will return from suspension to spearhead Manchester United’s attack at St James’ Park.

Rooney is available after a two-match ban and is expected to replace Berbatov in Ferguson’s starting XI.

Paul Scholes misses out following his red card at Wembley on Saturday but fellow veteran Ryan Giggs is expected to return, while Jonny Evans returns from his own ban.

Darren Fletcher is still working his way back to full strength following a virus and Owen Hargreaves (shoulder) will not figure again this season.

Possible starting XIs

Newcastle: Harper, Simpson, Coloccini, Taylor, Enrique, Ireland, Barton, Tiote, Gutierrez, Lovenkrands, Ameobi.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Valencia, Carrick, Giggs, Park, Nani, Rooney.