Manchester United will be aiming to return to winning ways when they take on Newcastle, a team that seriously boosted their survival chances with a hard-fought victory over QPR.

Many were quick to criticize the Red Devils for some under-par showings in the opening exchanges, when instead they should have congratulated Sir Alex Ferguson’s team for keeping the results respectable during the poor run of form.

United kept raising their form as the season unfolded, and managed to enter the festive period with a four-point cushion at the Premier League summit.

Their advantage over City was six points just few days ago, but Fergie has no reason for concern despite the 1-1 draw against Swansea.

With two home games coming up, the Red Devils should have no problems staying at the top at the turn of the year, and BetFred pays 1.25 (1/4) on United to defeat Newcastle at Old Trafford. The Premiership leaders are 1.57 (4/7) at Paddy Power to stay there come end of the campaign.

Sir Alex Ferguson is bound to make some changes to the starting line-up, with Welbeck, Scholes and Chicharito all expected to feature.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): De Gea – Rafael, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra – Welbeck, Scholes, Carrick, Young – Van Persie, Chicharito.

Newcastle United have been on the major downtrend since the fifth-place finish last season, but it appears Alan Pardew’s side will be able to avoid the relegation tussle after all.

The Magpies slipped into danger zone after losing six of seven league matches, but the narrow win over QPR saw them create a five-point advantage over the bottom three.

With games against United, Arsenal and Everton coming thick and fast, Newcastle will have their work cut out for them during the festive period, especially as their key midfielders continue to miss out.

Given that strikers Ba and Cisse are struggling for form, odds of 2.00 (1/1) offered at Coral on Newcastle not to score look too good to pass.

Cheick Tiote misses out through suspension, while Hatem Ben Arfa, Yohan Cabaye, Steven Taylor and Ryan Taylor remain sidelined.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-2-1): Krul – Simpson, Coloccini, Williamson, Santon – Anita, Perch, Marveaux – Cisse, Gutierrez – Ba.