Newcastle United v Manchester United Preview

Newcastle Utd come into the tie just days after their UEFA Cup dreams were shattered by Sporting Clube de Portugal in Lisbon, and Newcastle's only hope of getting back into Europe next year is through the FA Cup with Graeme Souness' men languishing in the bottom haf of the Premiership.

Newcastle last won the FA Cup triumph came in 1955, which, coincedently was the last time Chelsea won the title.

Souness this week bemoaned the number of fit players he has, compounded with the suspension of Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer after their on-field handbags against Aston Villa, and despite Lauren Robert being fit, the French winger is unlikely to feature after his outspoken comments about the club earlier in the week.

Jermaine Jenas is also likely to be out, while Charles N'Zogbia who took Robert's place on the left-wing, is definitely out with a collarbone problem.

Newcastle have trouble at the back also with Titus Bramble injuring his groin, while fellow centre-halfs Aaron Hughes and Celestine Babayaro are also doubtful for the game with Manchester United.

Shay Given, will likely figure in goal, after coming through the mid-week defeat to Sporting Lisbon unscathed, while Souness may have to put Thursday's comments from Robert on the shelf and play Robert with N'Zogbia unlikely to make the game.

Manchester United meanwhile are looking to become only the fourth team to successfully defend the FA Cup in the competition's history.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side had the advantage of not playing in midweek however come into the match on the back of a demoralising defeat to Norwich last Saturday in probably their worst performance of the seaso.

As already reported http://www.wales-mad.co.uk/news/loadnews.asp?cid=TMNW&id=217288 Ryan Giggs has been ruled out with a hamstring problem by Ferguson, despite coming through training, while former Newcastle player Louis Saha is sidelined again, suffering another injury in the Carrow Road defeat.

Rooney and Van Nistelrooy should both return to lead the line, despite being on the bench against Norwich with Ferguson having few options in attack.

Roy Keane will captain the side following his deliberate omission from the Norwich game while Scottish midfielder Darren Fletcher is still likely to be sidelined.

Man Utd have gone an amazing 11 and a half hours without conceding a goal in the FA Cup and have never lost an FA Cup semi-final under Ferguson.

They will start as favourites against their rivals, in the knowledge of who their Final opponents will be, with the advantage of knowing they have never lost in the FA Cup against Newcastle.