The early Saturday kick-offs are back and this one delivers an encounter which could bang a final nail in Man United’s title ambitions.

It seems premature and ridiculous to think that the champions could be out of the race before Christmas and yet, anything less than three points today with victories for City, Chelsea and Arsenal over the weekend, would surely leave David Moyes’ side floundering before the Turkey has been basted.

Newcastle can be dangerous opponents – they arrive at Old Trafford having had their four-match winning streak ruthlessly halted by Swansea in midweek. However, Alan Pardew’s side have weapons to hurt the United rearguard and a combative midfield who seem unlikely to surrender control to the home side.

Strangely, many Fantasy managers will struggle to find too much interest in this one. Although, with Wayne Rooney suspended, we can at least run the rule of Robin van Persie. The Dutchman makes a timely return to Moyes’ lineup having recovered from recent injury concerns. His introduction is one of seven changes as Jonny Evans, Phil Jones, Nani, Tom Cleverley, Adnan Januzaj and Javier Hernandez all come in. Chris Smalling, Ryan Giggs, Antonio Valencia, Marouane Fellaini, Danny Welbeck and Shinji Kagawa miss out following Wednesday’s defeat to Everton. As for Newcastle, they make just one change – Vernon Anita is drafted in to bolster the midfield as Shola Ameobi drops to the bench.

Our Dugout Discussion chatroom has opened up for this early clash and will remain available for your real-time requirements right through all today’s seven fixtures.