Newcastle have fared dismally against Manchester United in recent times and will want to address that issue on Tuesday night.

The Magpies head into a midweek meeting with the table-topping Red Devils in the knowledge that they have won none and lost 13 of the last 16 top-flight fixtures between the two clubs.

With their last success coming way back in September 2001, the North East outfit will feel that they are due a reversal in fortune.

Unfortunately for the Magpies, they have been unable to contain United both at home and on the road.

They have taken just one point from the last 21 available from games with the Red Devils at St James' Park.

Worryingly for Alan Pardew, he has also seen his side keep just two clean sheets in their last 15 games in front of their own supporters this season.

United will arrive on Tyneside looking to take full advantage of that leaky defence, allowing them to take another step closer to the title.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side boast a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League table with only six games of the season remaining.

A positive result on Tuesday will see them close on that particular crown, while providing the best possible response to Saturday's disappointing FA Cup semi-final defeat to arch-rivals Manchester City.

They certainly have the firepower to worry the Magpies, with Wayne Rooney having notched nine times in his 11 appearances for United against Newcastle and Dimitar Berbatov having found the target in his previous two.

Team news

Loan signing Stephen Ireland has been included in the Newcastle squad for the first time ahead of the midweek clash.

The 24-year-old could make his debut despite spending the last few days at the bedside of partner Jessica Lawlor after she suffered multiple injuries in a road accident last week.

Midfielder Cheick Tiote and defender James Perch return from suspension, but skipper Kevin Nolan completes his two-match ban.

Goalkeeper Steve Harper has had an injection in his knee and is doubtful, while Leon Best (ankle), Dan Gosling (knee), Alan Smith (ankle) and Hatem Ben Arfa (broken leg) remain sidelined.

Rooney will return from suspension to spearhead Manchester United's attack at St James' Park.

Rooney is available after a two-match ban and is expected to replace Berbatov in Ferguson's starting XI.

Paul Scholes misses out following his red card at Wembley on Saturday but fellow veteran Ryan Giggs is expected to return, while Jonny Evans returns from his own ban.

Darren Fletcher is still working his way back to full strength following a virus and Owen Hargreaves (shoulder) will not figure again this season.

Possible starting XIs

Newcastle: Harper, Simpson, Coloccini, Taylor, Enrique, Ireland, Barton, Tiote, Gutierrez, Lovenkrands, Ameobi.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Valencia, Carrick, Giggs, Park, Nani, Rooney

Sir Alex Ferguson is on the verge of welcoming back one of his "big game" players as he prepares to face an Everton side missing key men of their own.

Midfield powerhouse Darren Fletcher has missed the recent action due to a virus but he could return in 10 days' time as a gripping season enters its final, crucial phase.

"Darren Fletcher’s back training now. He’s had a good week. He may be available in 10 days' time," said Sir Alex.

"He’ll be a very, very important player to come back. Darren’s excelled in big games and important games over the years because he’s got the knowledge and the discipline to carry out whatever job you want him to do. That’s the value he brings to the team. When he does come back, he’ll go straight into the team."

Although this weekend's clash will come too soon for Fletcher, Sir Alex will be able to recall Rafael if required following the right-back's return to fitness. The manager's only injury concern is Dimitar Berbatov's slight groin strain. "We'll see what he's like today in view of tomorrow," said the boss in reference to the Bulgarian striker.

Meanwhile Everton will arrive at Old Trafford on a good run of form, despite being without some stellar names.

"Everton have done exceptionally well, considering that David Moyes has had a mountain of injuries in the last few weeks," said Sir Alex.

"He’s been without Fellaini, Arteta, Cahill and Saha but they’ve still been turning out results.

"Games against Everton are never going to be easy because it’s a local derby in a way. But our home record has been fantastic this season, performance levels have been fantastic, and hopefully that will continue tomorrow."

Another home victory would, of course, nudge United closer to the title. Sir Alex said:

"If we win tomorrow we’ll have a minimum lead of six points with only four games left. That’s the way I’m looking at it. You run out of games eventually. I’m not looking beyond tomorrow."

As for the presence of reigning champions Chelsea now in second place, he added:

"You have to recognise who’s behind you and you can’t become complacent. I think it’s good to know that someone’s behind you. In that sense, we’ll use our experience of past years in situations like this and hopefully get what we want out of it."

Mikel Arteta and Tim Cahill could return to the Everton squad to face Manchester United on Saturday, according to manager David Moyes.

Cahill has been struggling with a foot injury and has not played since a brief substitute appearance against Sunderland in February.

Arteta has not featured since suffering a hamstring tear early on in the 1-1 draw with Birmingham City at Goodison Park at the start of last month.

But Moyes said: “There’s an outside chance that Mikel Arteta and Tim Cahill could be involved.

“Although it is not just this game, we would like to get them back for all the games, to have them back for Wigan, West Brom, Man City and Chelsea would be great.

“We have a doubt over John Heitinga with his hamstring but getting some of the players back around the squad for the remaining games is important.”

Moyes also reiterated that Louis Saha (ankle) will not feature again this season, while Marouane Fellaini is also still out with an ankle problem.