Newcastle v Chelsea preview: Graeme Souness was charged with improper conduct yesterday by the Football Association after his dismissal from the dug-out during Newcastle United's 4-1 home defeat by Fulham on Sunday.

Having kicked over a water bottle and remonstrated with the referee Howard Webb, he faces a touchline ban and a fine. That, though, is not the Newcastle manager's biggest problem.

Many turned their backs on Sunday afternoon, but 500 returned to St James' Park a few hours later, some to sleep overnight to head the Monday-morning queue for late-sale tickets for the visit of Manchester United this Sunday. Such passion brings pressure, and there are plenty already on Tyneside queuing to criticise Souness.

Tonight Newcastle host Chelsea in the League Cup, a competition that represents one of three chances for silverware. Another home defeat would trim Newcastle's silver options to two, so Souness is likely to field his strongest XI. That should mean a return for Shay Given in goal, and Laurent Robert may be recalled on the left wing. Ronny Johnsen should come in for his Newcastle league debut and there may also be a place on the bench for Kieron Dyer.

Rio Ferdinand will be on the sidelines at Old Trafford tonight as Manchester United face Crystal Palace as they try to rediscover their scoring touch.

Rafael Benitez is calling on his Liverpool players to try to emulate the achievements of Anfield legend Emlyn Hughes. The club will hold a minute's silence ahead of tonight's League Cup game against Middlesbrough following the death of the former England captain. Benitez said: "He was part of the best ever Liverpool sides and won a lot of trophies. It is important all the players look at a legend like this and hopefully he can inspire them."