Personally, I don't think we could have asked for a better final road trip. Several fans will be making there way up to the North East to enjoy a night out in the City before going onto the game.
We all know how friendly our hosts are and although they've more at stake, I'm sure it will be a great atmosphere throughout.
For us, the extra cash provided by an 18th placed finish is peanuts compared to the cash carrott of Champions League football for United.
Thursday's defeat at Marseille will surely have mentally jaded their players. They have a great home record but with injuries to key players they're not the team they could be.
Once again, ratboy (a.k.a. Bellamy), won't be there for us to flash our, okay temporary, Premiership badge in his face after the Cup game last season.
Unfortunately, they still have the legend that is Shearer alongside the tricky Ameobi so I think they will score. However, their defence is missing Woodgate so I reckon the Cort-Camara partnership might once be registering on the scoresheet.
Cort has stated that he has nothing to prove when he goes out onto the pitch. However, surely professional pride will be at stake so he'll want to put in a good performance and possibly a goal to those who mocked his time at the host club.
I was lucky enough to be there on January 1st, 1990, when Steve Bull scored all 4 in the infamous 4-1 victory up there. I doubt a repeat scoreline is on the cards but I can see goals and a thoroughly entertaining 90 minutes ahead.
Compared to some of the dross I've seen away this season it's got to be good. It's a long time since that opening day 5-1 thrashing at Ewood Park, we've come a long way and have a long way to come back to such places in hopefully 12 months time.
It's going to be a party that's for sure and I, along with the other 3,000, can't wait...
Dave Burgess