Manchester United host Norwich City at Old Trafford on Saturday and the Premier League leaders will want a confident win, both to open a 15 point lead over second-placed Manchester City (who don't play till Monday night) and prepare for the crucial second leg Champions League knock-out clash against Real Madrid, in the midweek game.

The Canaries will look to draw from memories of the reverse fixture from earlier this season, when they shocked Sir Alex Ferguson's men 1-0 at Carrow Road. For Chris Hughton, the rest of the season must be spent ensuring his side don't slip into a relegation fight; Wigan, on the brink of the drop zone, are only eight points behind.

Norwich City v Manchester United
Reuters

Where To Watch Live

Kick-off is set for 3pm GMT. Live radio commentary is available on BBC Radio 5 live. Highlights of the match will be available on Match of the Day, on BBC One and BBC One HD, from 10.25pm GMT.

Overview

This is the first of four home games on the run for United and Ferguson will want a good start. A poor set of results over the next 10 days or so may not destroy his season but could certainly play a pivotal role in determining the number of trophies at the end of the year.

Following the visit of Norwich and Jose Mourinho's Madrid (anything other than a win against the in-form Spanish champions will result in elimination from the Champions League), United face Chelsea in the quarter final of the FA Cup and then host Reading in a league fixture.

However, Ferguson has said his team and he are more than ready for this rush of games and will look to rest key players against the Canaries, with Madrid's visit in mind.

United won 2-0 last weekend, comfortably beating a poor QPR side. Welsh veteran Ryan Giggs scored the second goal and this could be a massive week for the 39-year-old; he will make his 1000th professional appearance if selected for this game. And he has just signed a new one-year contract. Expect a seriously motivated Giggs for this match.

Wayne Rooney
Reuters

Overall, United have been in excellent form - they are unbeaten since the surprising Champions League defeat to Romanians CFR Cluj, back in December. And they've won four league games on the trot, scoring seven goals and conceding only one in the process.

Meanwhile, Norwich could become the only side to complete a league double over United this season; the other two sides who have beaten United this campaign are Everton and Spurs and neither could repeat the feat in the second fixture.

Fortunately for United fans, that result is statistically unlikely. Norwich have been poor on the road this season, with only one win from 13 games. Moreover, they've conceded 26 goals in away games and only Newcastle United, Southampton and Aston Villa have shipped more.

It will still be a difficult game for the hosts though. The Canaries will fight for anything they can get and are on a four-match unbeaten run in all competitions. The last time they lost a league game was the 5-0 hammering at Anfield in mid-January - an away game. They come into this fixture after a 2-1 win over Everton, at home, last weekend.

Team Form

Manchester United

  • Last Five (all competitions, most recent first): W W D W W
  • Last Match: QPR 0 - 2 Manchester United

Norwich City

  • Last Five (all competitions, most recent first): W D D D L
  • Last Match: Norwich 2 - 1 Everton
Norwich City
Reuters

Team News

Ferguson has already confirmed he will rotate his squad, with one eye on the midweek fixture. Therefore, Dutch striker Robin van Persie, the club's leading goal scorer is likely to be on the bench for this game. England striker Wayne Rooney should be available though and compatriot Paul Scholes is also fit and available... although Ferguson may opt to rest him as well and use his experience against the Spaniards. Phil Jones (ankle) is certainly unavailable for this match.

Probable Line-Up: De Gea; Rafael, Smalling, Evans, Buttner; Young, Anderson, Young; Nani, Rooney, Hernandez

Hughton is unlikely to make any changes to his side, considering they pulled off a good win against the Toffees last week. However, he may have the opportunity to recall Andrew Surman. Midfielder Alex Tettey is a bit of a doubt though. Goalkeeper John Ruddy is still out but should be available later this month.

Probable Line-Up: Bunn; R Martin, Bassong, Turner, Garrido; Johnson, Howson; Snodgrass, Hoolahan; Pilkington; Holt

Manchester United FC Wayne Rooney Real Madrid