United host City as Manchester readies itself for a mouthwatering clash, as the Noisy Neighbors pay a Visit to the Old Trafford faithful. This game comes at a really hard time for Manchester United having crashed out of the Champions League in midweek, they could be a bit fragile mentally. This could also be played the other way around however, and United could be eager to face off against their rivals putting all their eggs in the Premier League basket.
After throwing everyone on in the final Few minutes to try and win the game against Leipzig United will have a few players that could be Fatigued and might need a rest for this Saturday, especially considering the incredibly hectic run of games coming up in December. Manchester United face a City side that have been on the opposite end of the spectrum when it comes to their Champions League form finishing group winners, and Winning all but one of their group games.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would be looking at this game as a must win. A win on Saturday would take United up to fourth, Level on points with Chelsea, & with a game in hand. There is a lot riding on this game for Solskjaer who has come under criticism despite not doing too poorly in the league. United have won each of their previous 4 League games and would want to make it 5 in a row in the League.
Injury News:
United will have a Fully fit squad for this Saturday, Cavani and Martial both picked up a knock in midweek, but should be ready to go ahead of this game.
Fatigue and rotation will be a concern for United who despite having a fully fit squad are likely to rotate a few players.
Predicted Line-Up: 5-3-2 (Formation)
GK: Dean Henderson
Henderson has certainly made his case to be Manchester United’s no.1 in the last few games, and this could be a game where Solskjaer decides to hand the young United goalkeeper a start. Henderson has been a boyhood United fan and knows what this Derby means, and he is someone that will play for the Badge, and right now It’s exactly what the Red Devils need, someone that brings fight and Leadership during games.
Defense: Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw, Alex Telles
United’s defensive lineup has remained constant throughout the season and it is likely to remain the same for this game, and it is likely that Solskjaer will maintain a back five in this game especially considering that City would want to have most of the possession.
After setting up defensively and having to chase the game against Leipzig, United would want to start on the front foot for this game. Maguire and Lindelof would have to wipe off the midweek mistakes and start fresh and start strong, Wan-Bissaka will have to pull his weight against the Likes of Sterling, Mahrez and Ferran Torres or United could be in trouble again.
Midfield: Mctominay, Fred, Bruno Fernandes
Fred was suspended for the Game against Leipzig and his presence was sorely missed in the United Midfield, Sabitzer and Forsberg were able to Walk through the Midfield in Midweek. United have only won 33% of their games when Fred hasn’t featured and his inclusion could see United be a little more solid defensively, he will partner Mctominay in midfield while Fernandes will provide the creativity for United. Fernandes is most likely to score for the Red Devils, he is ranked first in the League for chances created() so if United are to score the attack will most likely come through Fernandes.
Forwards: Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood
The game-plan didn’t quite workout in midweek but United would look to utilize the pace and finishing ability of Greenwood and Rashford on the counterattack. The balls in behind the City defense from Fernandes will be vital if United are to score in this game. Martial has been out of form and most likely won’t Feature, Cavani could be an option of the Bench for Ole and his impact could be the spark that United need to edge out this game.
