This Evening Manchester United will kick off their 2010/11 Premier League campaign, against newly promoted Newcastle United. The last time the Magpies played United at Old Trafford was two seasons ago on the opening weekend of the season, it ended 1-1 at Old Trafford.
The stats favour United who have beaten Newcastle 12 times in the last 15 games played between the two sides. The last time the Magpies won at Old Trafford was back in February 1972.
The Red Devils will be without defender Rio Ferdinand, who has been ruled out for at least another month. Owen Hargreaves and Anderson are the only other confirmed injuries. If rumours are to be believed then Wayne Rooney is struggling to be fit with a hamstring injury he picked up while playing for England midweek.
The away team will be without Steven Taylor who dislocated his shoulder in pre-season. New signing Dan Gosling is also out along with Leon Best and Danny Simpson. Alan Smith is a doubt after picking up an ankle injury. Another new signing Sol Campbell isn’t match fit yet and he won’t feature.
Sir Alex Ferguson is expected to pretty much stick with the same starting XI that beat Chelsea 3-1 at Wembley in the Community Shield. That would see Edwin Van Der Sar in goal, a back four of John O’Shea, Nemanja Vidic, Jonny Evans and Fabio Da Silva. Antonio Valencia, Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick and Ji-Sung Park would make up the midfield with Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen up front.
Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez may not be able to stop scoring at the moment but he will most likely start on the bench.
Chris Hughton will want his side to show that they will be no pushovers this season but Manchester United’s quality should prevail.
