Sir Alex Ferguson will be looking forward to pitting his wits against Mark Hughes, who will be looking for his first win as Fulham boss after taking over the departed Roy Hodgson.

However, Ferguson may have to do so without his talismatic striker Wayne Rooney, who has been struck down by a stomach bug, despite participating in training on Saturday.

Rooney's absence could mean a first start for new signing Javier Hernandez, who has won the hearts of the United faithful since signing for the Red Devils before the World Cup.

The other match of the day sees newly promoted Newcastle take on the James Milner-less Aston Villa.

The Magpies will be looking to bounce back from their opening 3-0 defeat at the hands of United last weekend while Villa will look to continue with their impressive performance last weekend when they comfortably beat West Ham 3-0 despite the loss of Martin O'Neill just days before the start of the season.

Now Villa not only have to cope with O'Neill's loss, but the loss of Milner too, who bid farewell to Villa Park with a goal against West Ham in their last match before completing his move to Manchester City.

Stephen Ireland on the other hand, looks set to be handed his Villa debut after heading in opposite direction of Milner.

Can stand-in coach Kevin MacDonald rally his Villains to another victory or will Chris Hughton bring some joy back to St James Park tonight?

Saturday Results

Wigan 0-6 Chelsea

Arsenal 6-0 Blackpool

Birmingham 2-1 Blackburn

Everton 1-1 Wolverhampton

Stoke City 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur

West Bromwich Albion 1-0 Sunderland