There will be goals
Manchester United are crying out for a settled back four and head into what promises to be the most entertaining game of the weekend against Newcastle with a series of defensive nightmares behind them. The Magpies, on the other hand, look like they hit their stride against Bordeaux and have the players to make United fans feel uncomfortable this weekend.
Put very simply, Newcastle’s attackers are very good and United’s defence is shambolic. This is not an awe-inspiring combination for the men in red. “We feel we can exploit their defensive weaknesses and they will feel they can exploit ours", said Alan Pardew with a remarkably straight face.
After recent displays, it is unclear how Manchester United will approach this fixture. A good start would be for Fergie to start settling the back of the team down. With Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse both capable of firing off vicious shots, we need De Gea in goal to make reactionary saves. The manager should also announce the Spaniard as our permanent No. 1 and give the defence a base from which to build on.
Although I never thought I’d type the words, it is a relief Jonny Evans has been declared fit. He will hopefully partner a focused Rio Ferdinand, who needs to remember how to marshall the junior defenders around him as well as fulfilling his own duties. Rafael has come on in leaps and bounds, but he has to remember to leap and bound back to a defensive position after his runs forward.
Newcastle were splendid against Bordeaux and if they keep playing like that they’ll be in with a shout of silverware this season. However, I have been unconvinced with them at home so far. They have drawn with Aston Villa and only just scraped past Norwich in the North East, both sides who have made inauspicious starts to the campaign.
United have had two extra days rest after their European exploits and will be hoping that proves crucial. That, and the form of our forwards, is what we need to emerge from St. James’s Park with a result. One suspects that Paul Scholes will start as this is a happy hunting ground for him, he has scored nine times on this ground in the past. Nonetheless, we can expect to see Cheick Tiote waltzing through the middle of the park, stopping occasionally to have a swig of cognac and a puff on a fine cigar, without being troubled by tackles.
United are in danger of a Liverpool-esque start to the season and we haven’t lost three of our opening seven fixtures since 1989. The same season when we last lost to Tottenham Hotspur. It probably helps that we beat Newcastle two weeks ago and, in much the same way as Tottenham’s victory last week galvanised Andre Villas-Boas, I am hoping a result here could be a springboard for United. They will make us suffer though, I am sure of it.
Three things to watch for this weekend
Rooney and Robin van Persie
The great strike partnerships of history have all had the same thing in common. They have brought results and trophies to their team. After an encouraging start against Cluj, United fans will be hoping these two can start winning matches for us.
Newcastle’s midfield
Newcastle blogger Marc Duffy credited the midfield with their victory over Bordeaux. Tiote, Fletcher and Cabaye are forming a strong trident and the team from Manchester may struggle to cope with them.
Goals
Between the two of them, these sides are conceding on average more than a goal a game. With some of the most potent strikers on the planet also taking the field, this could end up being a hockey score. Undoubtedly the match to watch this weekend.
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