DAVID BECKHAM is standing by to face Newcastle in the Premiership's match of the season - exactly a year after tackling Doncaster. Manchester United's gifted midfielder had been loaned to third division Preston in order to further his football education outside Old Trafford.

When he made his league debut on March 4th, a crowd of 9,624 at Deepdale saw him score in a 2-2 draw, although he had already netted for United in a 4-0 European Champions League victory over Galatasaray at Old Trafford.

Next Monday, on the same date, St James' Park will be packed to the rafters with the match between England's top two teams, an all ticket 36,500 sell out.

Newcastle, who were 1 to 8 Premiership favourites in January, are now offered at 1 to 2 by William Hill. United are 11 to 4 with Liverpool at 9 to 2.

Beckham has a championship medal in his sights but the 20 year old is not taking things for granted. He knows that his place in United's starting line up for the Newcastle game is far from guaranteed.