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All eyes on Rooney as United look to bridge gap

January 4, 2012

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After his reported dressing down from Sir Alex Ferguson, Wayne Rooney returns to the fold on Wednesday hoping to inspire Manchester United to a victory at Newcastle that will take the champions level on points with league leaders Manchester City.

In the evening's other fixture, Everton aim to continue their good run but will face a Bolton side desperate to start climbing the table.

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Newcastle v Manchester United

Form: After an unbeaten start to the season, Newcastle have just one win from their last eight games. United, meanwhile, have scored 12 goals in their last three matches, but will be reeling from their shock defeat to Blackburn on New Year's Eve.
Key battle: Demba Ba has been one of the signings of the summer, netting 14 league goals so far this campaign. With United missing seasoned defenders Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick was forced to deputise at centre-half alongside the returning Phil Jones against Blackburn. Both Jones and Carrick were bullied by Yakubu, who scored twice, but can Ba repeat the trick?
Player to watch: Wayne Rooney. He was left out of United's squad at the weekend amid rumours he was dropped for disciplinary reasons. With the striker poised to return at St James' Park, Rooney will be determined to ensure his football does the talking.
Talking point: It wasn't such a happy birthday for Sir Alex Ferguson, who saw his side beaten 3-2 by bottom side Blackburn on Saturday. Will the defeat scare the United boss into dipping into the transfer market to boost his ailing squad?
Bet of the day: Rooney to score twice: 13/2 with bet365
Prediction: 1-3

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Everton v Bolton

Form: Bolton may have taken four points from the last nine available - their highest achieved across three games all season - but they remain rooted to the foot of the table. Everton have won two of their last four and haven't tasted defeat since losing at Arsenal on December 10.
Key battle: With Gary Cahill's protracted transfer to Chelsea still some way short of being concluded, the England defender is likely to take to the pitch in a Bolton shirt until his future is resolved. Victor Anichebe scored his first league goal in 22 months as the Toffees downed West Brom, and the powerful striker will look to capitalise on any uncertainty in Cahill's play.
Player to watch: Landon Donovan is eligible after re-joining Everton on loan from LA Galaxy and, following a successful stint of the same duration with the club in 2010, his return to Goodison Park will be well received.
Talking point: Bolton fans won't like this stat: Only West Brom (2004/05) have avoided relegation from the top flight having been bottom going into the second half of the campaign. Will they defy the record books and avoid the drop?
Bet of the day: Anichebe to score first and Everton to win 2-1: 35/1 with bet365
Prediction:2-1

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