Fabricio Coloccini faces a fitness test ahead of Newcastle's Premier League clash at home to Manchester United, who will be without Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Coloccini suffered a hamstring injury in the 1-0 FA Cup defeat at Watford on Saturday - the Magpies' fourth successive defeat in all competitions.

Steve McClaren's side sit third from bottom - two points of safety - after a winless run of five games in the Premier League but on Tuesday, they host a Manchester United side under scrutiny themselves after labouring to a last-gasp FA Cup win over League One Sheffield United that sparked fresh criticism over their style of play.

Team news

Newcastle boss McClaren will make a late decision on centre-back Coloccini, who missed Monday's training session after being substituted at half-time against the Hornets.

Jack Colback is expected to return after a hamstring problem of his own but winger Florian Thauvin (ankle) and defender Kevin Mbabu (thigh) are doubtful with knocks. 

Winger Rolando Aarons (foot) and striker Emmanuel Riviere (knee) are back in contention and defender Steven Taylor (also hamstring) and striker Papiss Cisse (groin) are also close to returns, but keeper Tim Krul (knee ligaments), defender Massadio Haidara (knee) and midfielders Gabriel Obertan and Vurnon Anita (both hamstring) remain on the sidelines.

Midfielder Schweinsteiger misses out for the visitors because of a knee injury sustained in Saturday's stoppage-time win over the Blades.

Antonio Valencia (foot), Luke Shaw (leg) and Marcos Rojo (shoulder) are out while Phil Jones is unlikely to feature because of his ankle problem.

Ashley Young, Michael Carrick and Morgan Schneiderlin are likely to return to the squad after being rested in the FA Cup.

Opta stats

Newcastle have suffered 25 Premier League defeats against Manchester United; their joint-highest tally in the competition against an opponent (alongside Arsenal).

Manchester United have lost just one of their last 12 Premier League away games versus Newcastle United (W9 D2 L1).

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

In fact, only away to Everton at Goodison Park and Aston Villa at Villa Park (both 15 wins) have Manchester United won more Premier League away games than versus Newcastle at St James' Park (12).

The Magpies have failed to score and have attempted just eight shots on target in their last three Premier League home games against Man Utd.

Wayne Rooney has scored 12 Premier League goals against Newcastle United - only against Aston Villa (13) has he scored more often. Rooney scored in Manchester United's last Premier League game against Swansea - the England striker hasn't netted in successive league appearances since November 2014.

The Red Devils have lost their last two Premier League away games (at Bournemouth and Stoke) - they have not lost three successive top-flight away matches since January 1996.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Betting

Manchester United are odds-on shots with Sky Bet to maintain their excellent recent record at St James' Park, with Newcastle 19/5 and the draw 13/5.

The visitors have won on their last three visits without conceding and are available at 7/4 to extend that trend, while the Magpies have been Price Boosted to 14/1 from 10/1 to win 1-0.

Check out tips from our Sky Sports pundits Jamie Redknapp, Charlie Nicholas, Phil Thompson and Matt Le Tissier here.