Keegan arrival to take headlines as top pair battle on

Keegan, hailed by Newcastle as the Messiah when, as a player, he helped them climb to the top flight in 1984, starts his second spell at St James's Park with a home match against Bolton Wanderers.

 The 56-year old is sure to be given a rapturous reception by the Newcastle fans, having thrilled them during his first spell in charge between 1992 and 1997.

 Keegan led Newcastle to second spot in 1996, having led by 12 points at Christmas, while he also managed Fulham, England and Manchester City, a job he left in 2005.

 The Magpies have just 26 points from 22 games and Keegan will need to lift their spirits as they try to climb the table, with a place in Europe next season the probable aim in his first season in charge.

 The battle for top spot, meanwhile, continues apace as Arsenal and Manchester United both look to stay clear of the chasing Chelsea.

 Tomas Rosicky could give Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger a boost by returning for his side's trip across London to face Fulham.

 The Czech midfielder missed last weekend's draw with Birmingham City because of flu and should come back in.

 United are also away from home as they travel to a Reading side sitting nicely in mid-table.

 Chelsea could have Frank Lampard fit again for their trip to Birmingham City, while Steve Bruce's side could feature Scotland striker James McFadden if his move from Everton is confirmed in time.

 Captain John Terry, still recovering from an injury, said the team had done superbly well to stay in touch with the leading pair.

 "The spine of the team has been out but the lads have been fantastic and we will all have to work really hard to get back in the team," Terry said.

 "Alex maybe took two or three games to settle but since then he has been one of our best players, a rock at the back, great in the air, quick and he has come up with some important goals as well."

   With Liverpool not in action until Monday when they take on Aston Villa at Anfield, Manchester City and Everton can move ahead of them into fourth, for 24 hours.

 City take on West Ham on Sunday - for the second time in four days after they edged out the London side in an FA Cup third-round replay on Wednesday, while Everton are away to Wigan Athletic, also Sunday.

 Saturday's other matches see Blackburn Rovers taking on Middlesbrough, Portsmouth up against bottom side Derby County and Tottenham Hotspur face Sunderland.

DPA