Manchester United vs Newcastle: A battle of expectations!

The pre-seasons are done and the first weekend gone, the Barclays Premier League has taken off and in some style. But the business is long done, as Manchester United meet Newcastle in a late night fixture (00: 30 am IST).

After the weekend fixtures, the pressure will now be on Manchester United to counter the brilliant performance by Chelsea. Chelsea drubbed the newly promoted West Brom team by six goals courtesy a Didier Drogba hat-trick. Manchester United too face a newly promoted team but even Chelsea fans will agree, its just another thing to face Newcastle United.

Chris Hughton Manager Newcastle

The fanfare of Newcastle is such that it diminishes the fact that they are a newly promoted team, the expectations will neither be realistic nor unachievable her. Newcastle were relegated to the Championship and won it with Houghton at the helm to make a quick return to premiership football. Newcastle fans are having a difficult time measuring their own expectations. Some Newcastle fans have high hopes of a spot in Europe whereas some would delight in just surviving in the Premiership.

Newcastle have sold many of their key experienced players from last season under monetary pressure. Meanwhile, Newcastle have been low-key in the transfer circuit as well signing just three players including Sol Campbell who is being termed unfit in the English media.

Sol Campbell played for Arsenal last season, and is likely to end his career at Newcastle now.

Andy Caroll vs Wayne Rooney

On the other hand, Manchester United are once again looking at the title from the very first encounter. Newcastle United won’t be a walkover like West Brom was for Chelsea. But still, Manchester United would like to put the three points on board and get the campaign off and running.

Manchester United will start favorites as they host Newcastle at home. Old Trafford is never a place where visitors have it easy, the theater of dreams is a nightmare for most oppositions. Under the ever so astute Sir Alex Ferguson Manchester United will try and avoid any hiccups on their way to victory.

Manchester United have a few worries as Rio Ferdinand, Owen Hargreaves and Anderson are suffering from knee injuries. Manchester United will look upto Fletcher, Rooney and the new signing Javier Hernandes for inspiration.

Manchester United will also see their former player Alan Smith in the Newcastle Shirt as he will shrug off an injury to take the field against United.