On the face of it this fixture may not get the neutral excited. Certainly on this seasons form a draw seems a likely outcome and Newcastle won't lose badly if defeat is the outcome. Even though that would be two defeats in a row and calls for some managers head, Alan Pardew has done amazing the first half of the season and has just been unlucky to face the Manchester clubs on back to back weekends.
Looking back through the Premier League history and you see how this fixture although it doesn't jump off the page, it still provides special moments. Who can forget Kevin Keagan's infamous "I will love it if we beat them" speech when Man United managed to reel Newcastle in from miles behind them to win the league by 4 points in the end.
Who will ever forget the 5-0 victory when Les Ferdinand, Alan Shearer and David Ginola ripped United to pieces and the sumptuous goal from Philippe Albert to chip Schmeichel and make it 5-0.
Remember the confrontation between Shearer and Keane which saw the Man United captain sent off for swinging his handbag in Shearer's direction.
What about Wayne Rooney's wonder volley at Old Trafford within 10 seconds of him berating the referee. One of the finest goals in Premier League history.
Those old enough may recall Ole Gunnar Solskjaer getting himself sent off for the benefit of the team as Newcastle counter attacked and Rob Lee was through on goal until Solskjaer's intervention.
Recent years have seen a more friendly approach between the two sides with many players moving from one to the other. Michael Owen left Newcastle for Man United, while Nicky Butt, Alan Smith, Danny Simpson and Gabriel Obertan are a few who have left Old Trafford for the stadium formerly known as St. James Park.
This seasons match up may not provide the fireworks and excitement of the late 90's and both teams could cancel each other out. Much will depend how many minutes Man United can get out of Wayne Rooney. Without him Man United struggle and if he plays how free will his movement be.
I will be tuning in at 3 o'clock to see what the line up is and I have to admit I made a score prediction before November started that I am stuck with. I went with a 3-1 Man United win. Fingers crossed.
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