Since the second coming we’ve witnessed 0 victories in 5 games, but in fairness three of those have been very big asks away to two very good teams. I thought Aston Villa were fantastic in the second period down in Birmingham and Arsenal need no more accolades bestowed upon them, do they? Bolton and ‘Boro were different kettles of fish, and today is quite possibly the biggest test of them all. Kevin Keegan versus Alex Ferguson, the perennial also-rans versus the Champions, Newcastle United versus Manchester United.

Keegan was right this week when he said this game, behind Sunderland, is our biggest of the season at Gallowgate. I absolutely love it when Manchester United come to town. Despite the fairly recent 6-2 annihilation, “that” 1-0 and numerous other blemishes on our record, this fixture has seen some of the best games of our Premiership era. The 5-0 needs no introduction, Big Dunc’s finest moment in the 3-0 followed it nicely a few years on and then Bellamy/Robert burst onto the scene in that thrilling 4-3 triumph back in 01/02. Actually, when you look at it… we’re due a big result against this lot!

As for team selection, I won’t be the only one hoping to see Faye, N’Zogbia and Viduka restored to the team ahead of either Cacapa or Butt, the injured (hamstring again!) Carr and Smith, will I? Emre and Martins miss out, which I feel is a real blow – especially as it yields the prospect of a midfield duo comprised of either Geremi, Butt, Barton or Smith… maybe KK will surprise us and stick N’Zogbia in there? I’d worry about him against Ronaldo/Nani/Rooney/Tevez… oh dear…

So then, to the prediction… and I’m afraid that I’m going to have to be as realistic as possible as I plump for an away victory for the Champions to make it six years unbeaten at St. James’ Park for them (how depressing is that?) For those of you desperate for hope though, remember these modified words: we’re still fighting for survival and I would love it, love it, if we beat them. Let’s at least give these bastards a game, eh?

We’ve come a long way since the last time KK and Sir Alex squared off in the SJP dugouts, it’s just a shame that while they went in one direction, we went in the other. The game has changed and the chances of handing the Champions a drubbing are about as liking as Alan Smith scoring a goal this season.

But we need to be up for it. We need to show that we can beat Manchester United on our own turf. Forget about our poor form, our league position, our woes, our 6-0 drubbing at Old Trafford, the 39th game in the Premier League, the awful state of grassroots football, the US elections, and just concentrate on getting a result at St James Park.

We need to see those 52,000 fans cheering and chanting for the team again and a result against Man U would do just that and could spur us on into staying in this fantastic division.

We need Owen and Viduka to step up to the mark, for Duff, N’Zogbia and Milner to get back to providing some service and the defence to stay together as one with whoever is in goal. Forget Villa, that was last week, Manchester United is this week.

I hope for a victory, yet again I feel a defeat.