Newcastle will be desperate to record their first win under Kevin Keegan when they host Manchester United on Saturday.
United test for Magpies
Newcastle will be desperate to record their first win under Kevin Keegan when they host Manchester United at St James' Park.
Newcastle are yet to record a victory since Keegan returned in January, and were hammered 4-1 at Aston Villa in their last game after a second-half collapse.
United, meanwhile, lost their last game 2-1 to Manchester City and, with Arsenal able to stretch their lead at the top of the table to eight points if they win at Birmingham, Sir Alex Ferguson will know the importance of victory.
Newcastle have had two weeks' rest, however, while United have had to face Arsenal in the FA Cup and Lyon in the UEFA Champions League in that period.
Given and Martins injured
When the sides met in the Premier League in January, Manchester United romped to a 6-0 victory at Old Trafford, but Newcastle keeper Shay Given insists that has simply made his side more determined to get a result.
"It was a terrible game for the club and all the fans and players," he told
Newcastle World TV.
"Man United were brilliant on the day to be fair and we were poor, but to lose any game 6-0 is embarrassing and we have to put that right and have a reaction to that and being at home is a big help."
However, Given may miss out after sustaining a groin injury, with Steve Harper likely to deputise if he cannot prove his fitness.
Obafemi Martins could also be sidelined after he picked up an ankle injury while representing Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations.
United boost
United will still be without Gary Neville, Mikael Silvestre and Ben Foster for the game, but there should be no fresh injury concerns.
Ferguson could be tempted to recall Carlos Tevez and Nani to the starting line-up after they made a difference after coming off the bench midweek, while Wes Brown could find himself left out after
frustrating his manager by refusing to agree terms on a new deal.
