Manchester United Predicted XI Against Chelsea
Manchester United and Louis Van Gaal will have their toughest test of the season against Chelsea on Sunday afternoon and its a must win with the Blues currently 11 points clear of the Red Devils.
Van Gaal’s side have many stars but they have failed to click consistently with the 20-time champions only recording 11 points from a possible 24.
The United of old is needed against this strong Jose Mourinho side and the 75,000 fans will be hoping to see a vintage United display with Radamel Falcao, Angel Di Maria and Robin van Persie all set to be unleashed.
So with United having many players back including Antonio Valencia and Ander Herrera, Tyrone Webb-McGarthland takes a look at how they could line up.
GK – David De Gea
The Spaniard is nailed on to start with his performances leaving his position secured and maybe even his Euro 2016 ticket with Spain. The 23 year-old is yet to sign a new deal at the club and that will be Van Gaal’s next target with Real Madrid watching his star man.
RB – Rafael
At only 24 years of age the Brazilian is going to get better. He was one of the bright sparks against West Bromwich Albion on Monday and he will be hoping for another strong display.
He will need to be at his best if he wants to stop Eden Hazard but he relishes a challenge and hopefully he thrives on the big stage.
CB – Phil Jones
Jones is expected to keep his place despite a nervous display against the Baggies. He was to blame for the second goal conceded when he stepped up to help out the midfield.
Will have to remain on top form throughout the 90 minutes with Diego Costa likely to fancy his chances.
CB – Marcos Rojo
Signed for £16million, Rojo is likely to start alongside Jones with his natural ability to be left footed. He hasn’t looked the best in central defence and could be found out against a potent Chelsea side.
Costa will be stronger and quicker than both United defenders which means the Red Devils could sit deep. However, with Cesc Fabregas and Oscar in an around the box, Rojo will have to make sure he’s saved his best display for now.
LB – Luke Shaw
The England left-back is currently finding his way back into full stride and hopefully this game hasn’t come too soon. Played well against West Brom but his positioning sometimes leaves him open to criticism.
At only 19 years of age this will be his biggest club fixture to date.
DM – Daley Blind
One of the better performers in a United shirt this season. The central midfielder has completed 89% of his passes this season and that will need to be bettered against the Blues.
With Chelsea set to deploy Oscar in the number 10 role, Blind will need to ensure that he keeps possession as well as performing his defensive duties well.
RM – Ander Herrera
The Spaniard, 25, has been declared fit after overcoming a rib injury. He was substituted against the Baggies at half time after struggling to have an impact on the game and he will hoping to resurrect things here.
LM – Angel Di Maria
The best player on the pitch alongside Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa. The trio have lit up the Premier League this season and nothing suggests that will change at Old Trafford under the lights.
If United are to get a result the Argentine will be key having scored and assisted in 58% of the Red Devils’ goals this campaign.
CAM – Juan Mata
Captain Wayne Rooney returns next week which means it’s last chance saloon for the 26 year-old. Mata has struggled this season with United’s pace and flair seem to be too fast for him.
He isn’t the quickest and even though he has the skill to unlock Chelsea, he is in desperate need of a good performance. There is no better time to do it than against his former side but whether he can is another question.
Anything such as an assist or goal will do his confidence a world of good and hopefully he delivers that. A likeable character in the dressing room and a man willing to prove himself. Time to step up Juan Mata!
ST – Robin van Persie
Captaining the side on the last two occasions due to Rooney being banned and will do the same on Sunday. Van Persie hasn’t shown the form he delivered to United fans inn 2012 but there’s no doubt he could shine against John Terry and Gary Cahill. His movement and ability to create chances for himself makes him a constant threat.
But one bonus is the partnership with Falcao. His partner will give Chelsea another problem to think about which could benefit the 31 year-old throughout the 90 minutes.
Hopefully so and with his good goalscoring record against Chelsea don’t be surprised if he’s amongst the goals.
ST – Radamel Falcao
The Colombian is one of the best strikers in the world alongside Costa, Luis Suarez and Sergio Aguero. The quartet all have that world class ability in them and the 28 year-old will be hoping to show that against the league leaders.
Falcao scored a hat-trick the last time he played the Blues in the Super Cup for Atletico Madrid. A defenders worst nightmare and perhaps Chelsea’s – all of United will be hoping the number nine shines.