Another potential Manchester United XI vs Arsenal
Manchester United have been handed a boost or two with their potential starting eleven against Arsenal at the weekend, with the news that several players have recovered from injury.
Following the weekend internationals David De Gea, Rafael, Phil Jones, Jonny Evans, Michael Carrick, Daley Blind and Radamel Falcao were all expected to miss the trip to London through injury however since then there has been some positivity around Old Trafford. Jones, Evans, Falcao, Rafael and David De Gea are all expected to be fit enough to at least be in contention.
David De Gea claimed to have “an 80% chance” of being fit enough to face Arsenal, which most fans will agree that that is more than enough for him to play ahead of Anders Lindegaard. The Spanish keeper is comfortably among the best in the league and just his presence between the posts will help an already frail defence to feel more comfortable.
Rafael is a natural right-back which instantly puts him ahead of Antonio Valencia in the pecking order. While he is the biggest doubt of the injured stars currently returning if he’s fit enough to be on the bench he should definitely start. His energy up and down the touchline will help going forward and defensively and could be key to preventing any counter attacks Arsenal may have.
Paddy McNair deserves to retain his spot in the starting line-up as he seems to be growing in confidence with every passing game. United’s record of 3 wins in all three games McNair has started plus his positive attitude means the fans are eager to see him start ahead of England international Chris Smalling. Phil Jones was the best center-back at the club this season prior to his injury on England duty. While Van Gaal prefers to pair a right-footed player with a left-footed player in central defence, Jones and McNair provide the best defensive pairing available to the club right now. While Evans could be fit enough to return, he’s not going to be match-fit having missed the last 8 weeks with a knee injury.
Michael Carrick withdrew from the England squad with a “minor groin injury” but he is expected to be fit in time for Saturday evening’s game. With Daley Blind definitely ruled out with a knee injury, Carrick could step into the holding midfield role. However, Marouane Fellaini’s good form could lead to the Belgian filling that midfield role with Ander Herrera stepping in to fill the box-to-box role. With Arsenal likely to have more possession of the ball, United could line up with an explosive forward line to catch Arsenal on the counter.
Angel Di Maria could be selected ahead of Juan Mata in the No.10 role if he recovers in time from the foot injury he picked up at Old Trafford during Tuesday’s international friendly between Portugal and Argentina. His pace and direct running will hurt the Arsenal midfield who are likely to start with Mathieu Flamini or Mikel Arteta in the holding role in midfield.
Wayne Rooney could start up front following his three goals during the international break, which moved him just three goals short of Sir Bobby Charlton’s all-time England goalscoring record. Having played as an out and out striker with England, the striker led by example from the front and may have impressed Louis Van Gaal. Robin van Persie played extremely well for Holland against Latvia, grabbing a goal and two assists. The former Arsenal striker has scored three goals in four games against his old side for Manchester United and will be looking to add to that tally at the Emirates. While Falcao could be fit enough for the bench, it’s likely that the Colombian will start on the bench with a chance to make an impact later in the game considering he’s missed the last 4 games with an ankle injury.
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Credit: sharemytactics.com
Credit: sharemytactics.com