This coming Sunday Manchester United take on Southampton at Old Trafford, with what looks to be the game of the weekend.
Manchester United will look to continue their rich vein of form at Old Trafford, form which merits one of the best Home Records in the League, second to only Chelsea. However, against a tough Southampton team, United must look to improve on their performances over the Christmas period against the likes of Aston Villa, Stoke City and Tottenham.
Southampton have been one of the surprises of the season. Having lost key players in the summer, Southampton were written-off by many at the start of the season. However, they have defied the pundits and are currently on a 5 match unbeaten streak in the league following the reverse fixture in December where Manchester United were lucky to come away with a 2-1 win.
Source: manutd.com
For the visitors Jay Rodriguez (injured), Maya Yoshida (Asian Cup) and Mané (injured) are missing, whilst new signing Elijero Elia, Jack Cork and Nathanial Clyne are all in contention too start. For Manchester United only Ashley Young is unavailable for the upcoming fixture. Young, who has been in good form is expected to be out for around six weeks. Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw, Rafael, Daley Blind, Marouane Fellaini and Antonio Valencia have all recovered from injuries and are in contention for a possible return, whilst new signing Victor Valdes is expected to be on the bench.
Louis Van Gaal has had an unsettled squad through injuries and has used 37 different players in his squad, 5 more than any other Premier League team this season. This has seemingly forced Van Gaal to play a 3-5-2 formation, a formation used by Holland in the World Cup, where against all the odds they reached the Semi-Finals. Despite its success with Holland it hasn’t worked as well as Van Gaal may have hoped for the Red Devil’s, and media reports suggest that he may pull the plug on the formation. During Friday’s press conference Van Gaal stated “I have to select for the first time, in my career at Manchester United, the 11 and 18 players.” This could suggest that Van Gaal is ready to change back to the 4-1-2-1-2 formation that was used earlier in the season. This tactic will allow Van Gaal to field his best players, all in suitable positions.
For the team, I would start David De Gea in nets. Arguably one of Manchester United’s best players this season, De Gea has won games single handily against the likes of Arsenal, Stoke (at home) and Everton to name a few. At the back Rafael has recovered from a fractured cheek bone, yet he may not be ready to start meaning Valencia is expected to slot in at Right back. At Centre Back I expect Phil Jones to continue his run in the team with Chris Smalling, who has improved since his sending off against Manchester City, to Slot in beside him. At Left back Luke Shaw is expected to be fit for the game against his former club, despite facing another scare over his ankle against Yeovil in the 2-0 FA Cup win, it is understood that this was a precaution rather than a serious injury.
Source: manutd.com
The battle between both midfields will be a spectacle on its own, and it is key for United to win this battle and control the midfield, something they haven’t been able to do whilst using the 3-5-2 formation. I expect Carrick to anchor the four man midfield, helping to control the tempo of the game, as well as being key in stopping opposition attacks. Slightly further forward in the diamond Herrera should be played. The Spaniard has impressed when played and scored a goal to remember against Yeovil. He proves key at both ends of the field helping to make the transition between defence and attack. On the left of the Diamond I have picked Di Maria. Having played central midfield for Benfica, Madrid and United, the Argentinian player of the year, is not short of experience in this position and adds both creativity and pace to the United attack, something they have been missing since his absence. Behind the strikers I have picked Wayne Rooney to slot in at attacking midfield. The Manchester United Captain is a favourite of Louis Van Gaal’s and on his day he can be the difference between the two teams.
At Striker I have picked both Falcao and Robin Van Persie. There has been criticism towards Falcao recently as we still wait for the striker to ‘Spark Fireworks’, however although he may not have found his best form it is clear that the United Faithful have fallen in love with him and it’s hard not too with the important goals he has scored against Villa and Stoke as well as the passion he shows in his celebrations. Van Persie has a knack for scoring against Southampton, having scored seven goals in his last seven appearances against The Saints and so I would be surprised if he wasn’t given the opportunity to further this record.
All-in-all this game will be extremely tight, but I expect Manchester United walk away with the victory winning 3-2.
James Bingham
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exciting