Allardyce has his priorities as he prepares to go back to Bolton Wanderers and face the Trotters in what is sure to be a blistering Premiership opener at the Reebok Stadium.
United have a poor record there in recent years, obviously due to the tactics of Allardyce himself, and the boot is on the other foot this time.
The United boss is desperate for a win to get his Newcastle career on track, and he knows that he has a more than capable player in Kieron Dyer, should he need him.
Allardyce admits he is "a bit short for Saturday in midfield", and he has to decide whether to take Dyer to the Reebok and find a place for him on the United substitutes bench or even in the first team.
Allardyce: "Dyer is contracted to United for another two seasons and like any other player, he will play if we decide he is needed. That goes with anyone."