Manchester United v.s Newcastle United Preview
Champions Manchester United begin the defence of their Premier League crown at home to Kevin Keegan's Newcastle on Sunday afternoon.
Even at this infant stage of the season there are concerns about United's seemingly toothless attack - apparently bereft of forward players.
While the signing of Dimitar Berbatov is unlikely - certainly in time for the curtain raiser - news that Wayne Rooney is likely to have recovered from a virus to take his place up front will settle a few nerves. Certainly, a forward line of Rooney and Carlos Tevez worked wonders in the autumn of 2007, and supported by a midfield cast likely to consist of Fletcher, Carrick, Scholes and Giggs, prospects for Sundays game seem not so bleak.
Without Rooney or Ronaldo, United still managed to consistently test a resolute Portsmouth defence in the Community Shield - Giggs, Scholes and Tevez all seemed bright and alert, and their creativity will be crucial against the Magpies. Newcastle have their own concerns too - Michael Owen and Obafemi Martins are injury doubts, meaning new signing Jonas Gutierrez could have a tiresome afternoon creating for over-the-hill Mark Viduka, against the best defence in the league.
Keegan does have some good news, however, having finally completed the signing of defender Fabio Coloccini in time to play at Old Trafford.
Prediction - 1-0 home win - it is difficult (if not impossible) to see Newcastle scoring, but they will do their best to frustrate the Champions. However, Keegan's sides have never been the most disciplined, so expect the home side to create a few decent chances - and snatching one.
(By Yolkie)Manchester United v.s Newcastle United Preview - Forum Discussion