PREMIERSHIP FOOTBALL
The buzz surrounding the appointment of Kevin Keegan as Newcastle United Manager has well and truly worn off with the Magpies still looking for their first win of the season under their much celebrated Messiah.
Just when things couldn't get any worse for 13th palced Newcastle United they welcome Manchester United to St. James Park for the evening game on Saturday.
United haven't lost away from home in the league since December 29th when a late Matthew Upson goal handed all three points to West Ham United in a 2-1 win at Upton Park.
While observers in the North of England will be focussing on Keegan's plight Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson will be intent on taking all three points as they attempt to overhaul Arsenal who sit pretty on top of the Premier League table with a 5 point advantage.
The Gunners face a tricky test away to Birmingham City with centre half Kolo Toure out after picking up an injury in Arsenal's mid week 0-0 draw at home to AC Milan. That result means Arsene Wegner's side may only have the Premiership to play for after the return leg at the San Siro.
On a much needed high after their fantastic 2-0 win over Seria A leaders Inter Milan last Tuesday Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez will be back in the firing line should his multi-millionaire side not take all three points at home to Middlesboro tomorrow.
Inspired by England captain Steven Gerrard (pictured right) the Pool showed they have the ability to beat the best
in the business but it's their domestic form which has plunged boss Benitez into trouble.Not only were Liverpool dumped out of the FA cup at Anfield by struggling Championship outfit Barnsley last week but they sit in 5th position in the Premiership behind bitter rivals Everton and 19 points off leaders Arsenal.
Third placed Chelsea will not be playing in the Premiership this weekend as they will face London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the Carling Cup final.
While England pair John Terry and Frank Lampard were named in the squad for the season's first domestic final it is thought neither will play for Avram Grant's side.
A win for Tottenham would round off a hugely succesful first four months in charge for Spanish boss Juande Ramos.
Spurs haven't brought any silverware back to White Hart Lane since winning the FA Cup in 1991 though for that to happen they will have to stop Chelsea's formiddable run of victories in Cup finals since the start of the decade.
