There should be only one instruction David Moyes gives his Manchester United side before facing Newcastle United: win. After Wednesday evening's 1-0 reverse to Everton at Old Trafford the manager – and his side – dare not drop further points in front of their own crowd, with 12 the margin to the leaders Arsenal, going into the weekend. It is the same gap to the relegation zone and with United also five points from a Champions League berth a further defeat would mean "crisis" would not be an inflated term to describe where the champions would find themselves as they embark on the jam-packed festive programme. Jamie Jackson

Kick-off Saturday 12.45pm

Venue Old Trafford

Last season Man Utd 4 Newcastle 3

Live BT Sport 1

Referee A Marriner

This season G11, Y41, R4, 4.5 cards per game

Odds H 6-11 A 13-2 D 7-2

Manchester United

Subs from Lindegaard, Buttner, F da Silva, Anderson, Zaha, Young, Valencia, Ferdinand, Evans, Giggs, Fellaini

Doubtful Van Persie (groin), Kagawa (illness)

Injured Carrick (achilles, 26 Dec) Fletcher (match fitness, unknown)

Suspended Rooney (one match)

Form LDDWWW

Discipline Y31 R0

Leading scorer Rooney 8

Newcastle United

Subs from Elliot, S Taylor, Dummett, Williamson, Haidara, Anita, Ben Arfa, Cissé, Sammy Ameobi, Bigirimana, Marveaux, Obertan

Doubtful Cissé (heel)

Injured R Taylor (knee, Aug)

Suspended None

Form LWWWWL

Discipline Y21 R2

Leading scorer Rémy 8