A classic Premier League rivalry is renewed on Sunday afternoon, as Manchester United travel to Newcastle.

Sir Alex Ferguson will be looking for a response from his side after they lost to Tottenham in their last Premier League fixture, although Robin Van Persie inspired a Champions League victory in midweek.

Alan Pardew will play his first home match since being awarded an 8-year-contract, and is expected to start with the leagues most in form striker Demba Ba for the visit of United.

Ba opened the scoring in the corresponding fixture last season, with a superb half volley. Newcastle ran out 3-0 winners that night, in a match that eventually had a huge baring on where the title ended up.

Pardew named a strong side for the midweek win over Bordeaux, but the fact the likes of Ba, Ben Arfa and Davide Santon remained unused substitutes suggested they will start Sunday's clash.

Defenders Fabricio Coloccini (hamstring) and Steven Taylor (calf) and Ryan Taylor remain unavailable.

United have a long injury list, and will be without the likes of Nemanja Vidic, Phil Jones, Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young and Chris Smalling.

Jonny Evans is expected to start after suffering a dead leg in midweek.

Prediction: Newcastle 2-3 Manchester United