By Matthew Jones
November 22 2002

Some Newcaslte news and team information ahead of tomorrows clash with Manchester United. A game which could go either way. Lots of success for both teams, however I think Newcaslte have the advantage... Bobby Robson is backing his Newcastle players to prove they are closing the class gap on Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Although Sir Alex Ferguson's side have had a mixed start to the season, Robson insists they remain the benchmark for other Premiership sides to be judged by.

"We're trying to be where they are," said Robson. "We've still got a little bit of distance to go, but we've caught up with them to a certain degree. Saturday will give us a good indication as to what the difference is. When you go there, you still have to be realistic. You are playing the best team in the country, they are highly motivated, they have a big crowd behind them and it's going to be a tough afternoon."

But with several key players missing from Ferguson's side, Robson added:

"With the likes of [David] Beckham out, my players should be jumping for joy. As for Roy Keane, I don't think Sir Alex, the Manchester public and his team-mates ever underestimated what a loss his absence will be. So we've got a chance. I believe it's more than 30 years since Newcastle won against Manchester United at Old Trafford and it's about time we ended that run."

Newcastle are expected to rest Hugo Viana who has recently suffered from injury. Viana has been suffering from knee ligament trouble which forced him to pull out of Portugal's friendly with Scotland and it was thought he would be sidelined for a number of weeks. However, the injury was not as serious as first thought, but Sir Bobby Robson is unlikely to hand the youngster a starting role.