Potential Manchester United XI vs Stoke City on New Year’s Day

Manchester United are set to take on Stoke City for the second time in a month in the Premier League when they travel to the Britannia on New Year’s Day.

Louis Van Gaal’s side defeated the Potters at Old Trafford at the start of December thanks to goals from Marouane Fellaini and a Juan Mata free-kick which grazed the head of Marcos Rojo. David De Gea’s heroics ensured Manchester United left with all three points after denying Mame Biram Diouf with a point blank save, before Ashley Young cleared off the line in the final seconds.

More from Red Devil Armada

David De Gea will of course keep his place in the side and United will be hopeful that he will continue his good form over into the new year.

Antonio Valencia was substituted at half-time against Tottenham and replaced by Rafael, so the right-back spot really is up for grabs. Van Gaal admitted during his pre-match press conference that Rafael, Luke Shaw and Chris Smalling were all lacking “match rhythm” and in my opinion that will give the current crop of defenders the nod. I expect Valencia to start at right wing-back with his height also playing a part.

Luke Shaw also made his return from injury at White Hart Lane last week but Ashley Young is in flying form. The winger-turned-wing-back has been outstanding over the last month and it would be harsh to drop him from the side for a half-fit Luke Shaw. I expect Young to continue in the left wing-back berth, although he could be targeted for his lack of physicality by Stoke’s front men.

A three man central defence is almost a certainty with Shaw and Rafael lacking “match rhythm” and I expect minimal changes. Phil Jones has had an excellent season thus far and is showing signs of real maturity on the field, something Louis Van Gaal will have noticed. Jonny Evans is the most experienced defender at the club which will likely see him keep his place in the side while Chris Smalling could return having been on the bench for the last three games. Paddy McNair has done nothing wrong since returning to the fold and could also start, but I expect Van Gaal could go with his three most senior defenders for such a tough fixture.

Michael Carrick is undefeated this season, something which hasn’t gone unnoticed. The England man was labelled as England’s best central midfielder by former manager Sir Alex Ferguson and Louis Van Gaal was quick to see his importance to the side and promote him to vice-captain behind Wayne Rooney. A lack of Marouane Fellaini means United will need a physical presence in midfield, so expect Rooney to continue his role in midfield alongside Carrick. Ander Herrera has resumed training but having missed the last three games, he’s more likely to start on the bench.

Juan Mata had been criticised recently for his form away from Old Trafford but he silenced those critics with his display against Tottenham, where he was the best player on the pitch for long periods. Mata’s ability on the ball gives United something different in attack and it’s likely that he’ll continue in the side. Angel Di Maria is back in training following his pelvis injury and could play some part but Van Gaal is unlikely to throw him straight into the starting line-up following a lengthy period of time out.

Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao are the two stand out strikers at the club and both are in decent form. While Falcao has struggled to make an impression during his time at the club so far, he’s contributed greatly whenever he’s been on the pitch with two goals and four assists in his seven games so far. Both snatched at chances at White Hart Lane but with Yeovil away in the FA Cup just three days later, James Wilson is more likely to feature from the bench against Stoke. Van Gaal will be wary of Stoke’s aerial ability so Falcao and van Persie’s aerial ability will come in handy in defensive situations as well as when going forward.

Credit: sharemytactics.com

Next: Van Gaal wants improvement in away form