Manchester United vs. Newcastle United view from the oppo

Manchester United are looking to bounce back from their 1-0 home defeat to Everton in the week, as David Moyes welcomes Newcastle United to Old Trafford. The visitors had been in superb form, until a heavy defeat away at Swansea brought the run to an abrupt end. The boxing day fixture between the two clubs last season ended in a 4-3 victory for the home side, with a last minute goal from Javier Hernandez. Moyes will take anything today as he finds his side twelve points off leaders Arsenal, the same distance between United and relegation threatened Fulham.

Manchester Unite are without suspended Wayne Rooney, although Phil Jones comes back from his ban. Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa and both doubtful for the 158th clash between the two sides.

We have a great view from the opposition today, where we discuss Alan Shearer, Jackie Milburn and taking Wilfried Zaha on loan. Many thanks to Ed who blogs over at NUFC Blog and you can follow him on Twitter @TheNufcBlog:

1) What have you made of Newcastle so far this season?

We are very pleased at Newcastle at the moment, especially with our four game winning streak when we beat Chelsea and Tottenham in successive
games.

2) Who has been your best and worst player so far?

It’s a toss up for the best player – maybe between three Frenchmen – Yohan Cabaye, Loic Remy (on loan for the season) and Mathieu Debuchy – who is becoming a terrific right back for us. Since Loic has 8 goals I’d say he’s the best one – I don’t know who the worst player is – they have all performed well this season.

3) You went on a great winning run before losing heavily at Swansea. How confident are you going into the game?

We’re not sure – most fans don’t know if that was the bubble bursting – or just one of those games – but in that second half on Wednesday night at Swansea we could have had two penalties – so we just didn’t have the breaks in that game – we hope the lads can do a lot better tomorrow.

4) United are looking unlikely champions this season. Was David Moyes the right man to succeed Fergie and what have you made of United so far thisseason?

Yes – I think David Moyes is the right man for the job – he just needs time – this should be a transitional season for United – but it would be sad if you cannot make the Champions League this season.

5) How will you lineup on Saturday and where are you likely to get goals from?

The goals are coming from Loic Remy and Yoan Gouffran – and Frenchmen have scored 22 of the last 23 goals we have scored in the league. Alan pardew will probably start the game in a 4-4-2 attacking formation with big Shola Ameobi and Loic Remy up front.

6) Last season’s game was a cracker. Expecting more if the same and what’s your greatest game versus United, excluding the 5-0 one!?

The 5-0 one – laugh.

7) Who is the greatest ever Newcastle player and why?

Well it’s between Alan Shearer and Jackie Milburn – who are also the top two goalscorers ever for the club – yet two different types of center-forward. – Jackie was fast and wasn’t a good header of the ball – and you know all about Alan Shearer – who scored some fantastic goals for Newcastle.

Jackie got 200 and Alan got 206 – and Jackie was playing when I saw my very first game at St. James’ park as a four year-old.

I’d have to say they are the joint best players ever.

8) If you could take one United player to Newcastle, who would it be?

Wayne Rooney – he’s looked great this season – good job for us he’s not playing tomorrow.

9) Where do you expect to finish this season and who have you been linked with in January?

We should make the top 10 and maybe even better – and next month we expect to be bringing in a striker – maybe Bafe Gomis from Lyon – who we were after in the summer, or Alfred Finnbogason, who an Iceland International striker at Heerenveen.

We’ve also been linked with Blackpool’s Tom Ince and your own Wilfried Zaha on loan.

10) What is your prediction for the game?

1-0 to Newcastle