It's another case of Apprentice vs. Master as Mark Hughes reacquaints himself with former Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson to battle it out for much needed league points.

It's also back to the rigors of Premiership life following the demanding international World Cup Qualifiers, but players from both clubs seem to have come out more or less unscathed.

The two clubs could well meet again later on in the season at Cardiff's millennium Stadium, battling it out for the FA Cup. Rovers have the small matter of Arsenal to get past however as United face Newcastle United.

Sir Alex Ferguson's only worry heading into the game is turning chances into goals, something his side couldn't do against Fulham a few weeks back. "I was disappointed with our performance against Fulham," stated Fergie. "We created 23 opportunities and scored one goal. That's not acceptable here"

However, strike power will have hopefully increased in strength as Ruud van Nistelrooy bagged his first goal since his nasty Achilles injury, something that will give him a boost of confidence. 

"I was so delighted Ruud got his goal," added the Scotsman "It was the biggest boost I had all week. Knowing Ruud and the type of player he is, he could easily go on now and score in every game until the end of the season"

"I was a striker myself and I know how they think. When they score they don't believe they will ever miss a chance, when they are not scoring they don't think they are ever going to get one" he added.

The Dutchman is set to partner Alan Smith upfront, as Louis Saha is struggling with injury and Wayne Rooney looks tired after two games on the bounce for England.

Rio Ferdinand has been deemed fit after picking up a hamstring injury for England whilst Gabriel Heinze and Darren Fletcher are doubtful.

As for the visitors, former young Red Devil Robbie Savage is ruled out so too is Scottish striker Paul Dickov.

ManUtdWeb Prediction: Manchester United 3 - 1 Blackburn Rovers - United's Lancastrian neighbours have never won at Old Trafford in 10 visits and United have taken maximum points on 8 of those occasions.