Newcastle are definitely missing Hugo Viana, Laurent Robert and Titus Bramble through injury and Steve Caldwell through suspension.
Andy O’Brien is carrying an injury but should be fit and Sir Bobby will have to decide whether to recall Craig Bellamy or leave him for the game with Inter next Wednesday and continue with Shola Ameobi.
Olivier Bernard is the likely starter on the left midfield, although Sir Bobby is likely to consider playing Kieron Dyer there and recalling either Nobby Solano or Clarence Acuna.
Likely Newcastle team: Given; Griffin, Hughes, O’Brien, Dabizas; Bernard, Jenas, Speed, Dyer; Shearer, Bellamy.
Manchester United also have a number of injury problems with Roy Keane, Nicky Butt, David Beckham and Rio Ferdinand all ruled out.
Unfortunately Phil Neville misses the game through suspension. Gary Neville is also doubtful with the injury that ruled him out of the England training session.
Likely Man Utd team: Barthez; G Neville, Silvestre, O’Shea, Blanc; Fortune, Giggs, Scholes, Veron; Forlan, van Nistelrooy.