Manchester United’s Predicted XI Tonight Against WBA
Manchester United take on West Bromwich Albion tonight in what will be a big test for the Red Devils with the Baggies in good form.
Alan Irvine’s side have been in confident mood of late and hungry striker Saido Berahino has responded to his managers call by scoring five goals in seven games.
United have talents of their own though, and with Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie both fitm should have no problem scoring goals. However, the problem is in defence and with United conceding goals regularly the Midlands outfit will fancy their chances against Louis Van Gaal’s side.
The Dutchman has had a good two weeks training with his squad and announced that he only has four injuries now which is a big bonus.
So with that we take a look at how United could start tonight with three points a must with Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City all claiming victories.
Goalkeeper – David De Gea
The Spaniard has been class throughout this season and his performance against Everton before the international break justifies that. He was called up to the Spain senior squad for the international matches which included a qualifier against Luxembourg which the 23 year-old did well in keeping a clean sheet.
Currently undergoing talks on a new contract it will be important that Van Gaal keeps his wanted goalkeeper for the next five years.
RB – Rafael
Nailed on to start, Rafael has been great so far this season since recovering from injury. He has been a breath of fresh air down the right with his energy and ability to cross giving United goals.
He set up Rooney for strike against West Ham and also played well against Everton with the diamond midfield allowing him to attack more.
Suited to Van Gaal’s system the 24 year-old will be key throughout the season if United are to make it back into Europe.
CB – Phil Jones
Good news for United is that the England centre-back has fully recovered from an injury picked up on England duty. So far has looked the most composed defender of all and with his partnership with Marcos Rojo set to be tested, will need a good game on his return.
CB – Marcos Rojo
The Argentine has been a good addition at £16million and he will be wanting another solid performance. Opened up his United campaign playing left-back but injuries have meant moving into central defence where he played for former club Sporting Lisbon.
Likely to be playing alongside Jones, the 24 year-old will have to be on top form if the pair are to keep Berahino quiet.
LB – Luke Shaw
The 19 year-old has been improving each game and tonight should see him start his third game in a row. Played for the England U21’s in their win over Croatia and is getting fitter all the time.
United’s future left-back for the next 10 years if things go to plan.
DM – Daley Blind
Blind is a good friend of Van Gaal’s and it’s easy to see why. He reads the lines and does the job perfectly in front of the defence.
Always calm in possession and good at finding space, Blind will have to be important should United come away with three points. His passing accuracy so far this season is 89% and with his midfield duo Angel Di Maria and Ander Herrera likely to be going forward against the Baggies, Blind will have to remain disciplined should Irvine’s side plan to counter attack.
RCM – Ander Herrera
Signed for £29million, Herrera is likely to walk straight back into the XI. His injury against West Ham ruled him out of the Everton clash but now fit and ready to play, will resume trying to make his partnership with the midfield click.
LCM – Angel Di Maria
Di Maria has been a class above the whole team and nothing seems like stopping him tonight. Playing out wide or in central midfield, nothing bothers the 26 year-old.
He wears number seven and right now is doing everything asked of him in that shirt with goals and assists. The first name on the team sheet and against West Brom, it is hard to see anyone stopping him from continuing his good form.
CAM – Juan Mata
Calls for him to be dropped have sparked rumours of a rare start for Adnan Januzaj.
The Spaniard has been out of touch for United this season and his lack of pace had made the side slow in the final third. On his last chance it seems with Wayne Rooney returning in two weeks time.
ST – Radamel Falcao
Scoring his first goal for the club, Falcao continued that form with a bullet header for Colombia during the international break. He is hoping to make his loan move permanent and he will be partly to blame if that isn’t the case with his goals expected to help United finish in the top four.
Will be a goal threat throughout tonight and no surprises if he adds to his tally at the Hawthorns.
ST – Robin van Persie
The Dutchman is likely to captain the side in Rooney’s absence and he will be in search of a goal as well as the three points.
Struggling to redeliver the form of 2012, Van Persie is hoping he can get his partnership with Falcao to click. The pair have looked good together but with the international break coming just when things were beginning to shine, they will have to build the bond back up again.
No better time to do it than tonight with Chelsea and Manchester City to come in the next two weeks.
Tyrone McGarthland’s predicted XI vs West Brom [credit: sharemytactics.com]