Keegan set to stretch Newcastle's lead

GUY HODGSON

Whatever Kevin Keegan wanted for Christmas it is unlikely he would have been so ambitious as to demand a 10-point lead in the Premiership. No matter, the Newcastle United manager might get it anyway.

Should Newcastle win today against Nottingham Forest - and they would be merely continuing the trend of maximum points from their home games - results elsewhere could enable Keegan to carve into his turkey on Monday with the chasing pack barely visible never mind breathing down his neck.

It is a cheerful prospect that would seem more attainable if less obdurate visitors than Forest were on their way. Frank Clark's team spoilt Manchester United's pristine home record last season and the Uefa Cup this autumn has proved they are more than capable of doing the same at St James' Park.

"It has the hallmark of being one of the best games of the season here," Terry McDermott, Keegan's assistant, said. "Forest like to play football and so do we. Last season we beat them 2-1 here but the game could have gone either way. It's a tough one for us."

Not so tough as for Manchester United who come straight from a thrashing at Anfield to Leeds United.

"The players need to show the kind of passion I expect from a Manchester United team," Alex Ferguson said. "They didn't do it in the first half against Liverpool and it's important they realise the enormity of that failure and put it right against Leeds."

Nicky Butt, whose three-match suspension has coincided with seven dropped points, will return in midfield while Roy Keane might appear as a substitute. Leeds, meanwhile, are likely to recall goalkeeper Mark Beeney for his first match since February 1994, as John Lukic becomes the scapegoat for their 6-2 demolition at Sheffield Wednesday last week.

Tottenham Hotspur have surprised more than just Arsenal supporters by getting to third place but they could astound further by slipping into second tonight if they accomplish what, on paper, looks to be the none- too-arduous task of defeating Bolton at White Hart Lane.

The Premiership's bottom club have not gained a point away from home so far although they will be encouraged by the first appearance of their new pounds 1.2m striker, Nathan Blake, and that Spurs may be without Teddy Sheringham who has not trained this week.

Arsenal's penchant for buying centre-backs will be partly explained today when the suspensions of Tony Adams and Steve Bould will allow David Linighan (pounds 1.25m) and Martin Keown (pounds 2m) to form a second-string, and expensive, central defence for Arsenal at Liverpool.

The home side, with Jamie Redknapp, Phil Babb and Ian Rush still injured, are unlikely to tinker with a team that took Manchester United to pieces so the former Arsenal midfield player Michael Thomas will make only his third start of the term.

Paul Rideout could return to Everton's squad for their match at Coventry after recovering from serious facial injuries. The striker, who lost three teeth and needed stitches in torn gums after a collision with Sheffield Wednesday's Des Walker, proved his fitness with a goal for the reserves this week.

Blackburn Rovers have ruled Graeme Le Saux out for the rest of the season which has made their pounds 2.8m signing of Crystal Palace's Chris Coleman last week seem more prescient.

He will make his full debut at Wimbledon although whether he will be a straight replacement for Le Saux at left-back or partner Colin Hendry in his Wales role of centre-half was not revealed (surprise, surprise) by manager Ray Harford. The gift of communication is not anticipated at Ewood Park on Monday.