Premier League preview: Manchester United v Newcastle

After a midweek slip-up in the Champions League, Manchester United will look to return to winning ways against Newcastle on Saturday.

The Old Trafford encounter pits Sir Alex Ferguson’s second-placed side against an in-form Newcastle outfit that have surprised this season to sit fourth.

United were only able to draw 2-2 with Benfica on Tuesday, meaning their qualification into the Champions League knockout stages is not assured.

And defender Chris Smalling conceded it was disappointing for his side’s impressive defensive record to lapse in the match at Old Trafford.

“We’ve kept a lot of clean sheets recently so it’s unfortunate,” said Smalling, who made his comeback from a fractured toe as a substitute in the match against the Portuguese outfit.

“Hopefully we’ll get back on track on Saturday. Newcastle have been flying this season so it’s good we can play them at home and hopefully get the win.”

“I’ll train as normal tomorrow and be ready for Saturday.”

Smalling’s chances of being recalled to the starting line-up appear to be slim, given the impressive partnership that Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand have shared in recent weeks but Tuesday’s match showed that last season’s Premier League champions are still vulnerable at the back.

Wayne Rooney is in doubt with a hip injury that saw him miss the match against Benfica but Ferguson is hopeful that the striker will be fit for the visit of Alan Pardew’s Newcastle.

The Magpies have started brilliantly this season with the likes of Demba Ba (eight goals) and midfield pair Yohan Cabaye and Jonas Gutierrez all crucial to the fortunes of Pardew’s men.

Goalkeeper Tim Krul has also impressed behind a defence that has conceded just 11 goals in 12 league matches, which sees them level with Manchester City and Liverpool in giving up the fewest goals this season.

Newcastle may have lost 3-1 at Manchester City on Saturday but the nature of the performance surprised many and pleased Pardew.

“I have no fear going to Manchester United after seeing that,” Pardew said after the defeat at Etihad Stadium.

“We are still in a great position.”

“We will have some key players back (against Manchester United) in (Cheik) Tiote and (Gabriel) Obertan. That will help.”

Tiote and Obertan have recovered from knee and toe injuries respectively and will give Newcastle added impetus as they search for their first win at Old Trafford since 1972.