Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Oct 7: Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie are set to start for the first time in the Premier League when Manchester United visit Newcastle United at Sports Direct Arena (St. James Park) in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

EPL: Top transfer news and rumours on October 7

EPL 2012-13: Defenders turn winners for Manchester United

Last season, Toons beat the Red Devils 3-0 at home while United got the better of Newcastle in the Capital One Cup tie beating them 2-1 at Old Trafford.

United have been hit with injuries to key defenders, Nemanja Vidic, Phil Jones are still out with knee problems while plenty fight for a place in midfield, manager Ferguson will rely on seniors Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes.

However, centre-back Chris Smalling could feature after returning to training while Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia are sidelined.

Newcastle too have several injury concerns at the back with Steven Taylor and captain Fabricio Coloccini a major doubt.

Demba Ba, who scored twice against United, will start along side Papiss Demba Cisse while Cheikh Tiote will play ahead of Vurnon Anita in midfield.

Trivia:

*Manchester United have come back five out of six times from a losing position.

*Demba Ba is the leading goal-scorer with six goals.

*Wayne Rooney has scored 10 goals against Newcastle United, more against any other side.

Probable Lineups:

Newcastle United (4-4-2): Harper-Simpson, Perch, Williamson, Santon-Ben Arfa, Tiote, Cabaye, Gutierrez-Cisse, Ba

Manchester United (4-2-3-1): De Gea-Rafael, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra-Carrick, Cleverley-Nani, Rooney, Kagawa-Van Persie

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