Manchester United will be aiming to return to winning ways when they host Aston Villa in the weekend’s Premier League encounter. The Red Devils have made a disappointing start after the international break with back-to-back winless games but they have the opportunity to put things right when the Villains make the trip to Old Trafford on Sunday.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Lineup:
David de Gea is the undisputed starter in the United goal and no changes are expected. The Spaniard could not do much to restrict Sheffield United from scoring thrice last weekend but he did make a couple of key saves which contributed towards a hard-earned point. The shot-stopper will be hoping for a better defensive display from the personnel in front of him.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should revert to the traditional four-man backline after the struggles experienced with a three-man central defence last weekend. Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof will definitely start at the heart of the defence with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Brandon Williams slotting into the right and left-back positions respectively.
In the centre of the park, Fred should once again partner Andreas Pereira. Solskjaer has preferred to go with experience in the midfield instead of banking on the club graduates and the Brazilian duo are more than likely to start as Scott McTominay may not be risked from the starting XI following his return comeback from an ankle concern.
Meanwhile, Paul Pogba remains out of contention for the moment as he continues to recover from an ankle fracture. Nemanja Matic was likely to make his comeback earlier this month but there has been no update in the lead up to the Villains clash. As such, Fred and Pereira seem destined to start against the Villains but they need a much better showing after being dispossessed on multiple occasions at Bramall Lane last weekend.
In the attack, Marcus Rashford and Daniel James are pretty much certainties in the wide attacking roles and the same is the case for Anthony Martial, who should lead the line. In the number 10 spot, Juan Mata could be a better pick over Jesse Lingard, who has not done anything useful in the league this year to justify his place. Mata has likewise lacked the consistency but he still has the ability to make intrinsic passes and could be key to overcoming the Villains, who have fared impressively against the elite sides this term.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login