Manchester United and Jose Mourinho will be relieved that they were finally able to get back to winning ways in the domestic league this weekend. A solitary goal from Armenian Henrikh Mkhitaryan was enough for the Red Devils to take all three points from the crunch game against Tottenham Hotspur in the league at the weekend. United did not look as convincing as they would have wanted to be but took all three points, and will now turn their attention to the midweek league game against Crystal Palace in this busy month. Mourinho will know that Palace have their own threats and playing away from home, he will need his team to be at their best to take anything from this game.
Here is the predicted lineup Mourinho might field for this game:
Team News:
The manager was a dealt a huge blow after it was revealed that inform winger Mkhitaryan picked up an injury and will be out of action for quite some time. Luke Shaw and Chris Smalling are in race for fitness ahead of this game while Antonio Valencia is set to miss this game through suspension.
David de Gea:
The Spaniard was easily the best player for United on the night and he should keep his place in the side for this game.
Matteo Darmian:
Injuries to key players in the squad will see Jose Mourinho turn to the Italian outcast as a right-back for this game against Palace.
Eric Bailly:
Just coming back from injury, Bailly was not used in the previous game but he might come back in action this week against Palace.
Phil Jones:
The English defender is cementing his place in the side that is hit by injuries, putting in some decent performances, and should start this game at the back for Manchester United.
Marcos Rojo:
Though extensively used as a centre back, Rojo should be pushed wide for this game against Palace as he can provide his side with a bit of an attacking threat on the wing.
Ander Herrera:
One of the best players so far this season for United, Herrera was also superb at the weekend against Spurs and should start this game in the midfield.
Michael Carrick:
Though not easy to play the veteran for two games in 4 days, Carrick has been superb recently for United and he should keep his place in the side for this game.
Juan Mata:
Injury to the winning goal scorer in the previous game, Mkhitaryan, will see Jose Mourinho use Juan Mata on the right wing for this game against Sunderland.
Paul Pogba:
The French international is trying hard to find some form and this trip would not be a bad time for him to showcase his quality.
Anthony Martial:
The young striker has been influential in the last few games for United after returning from injury. He had a decent game at the weekend and should start against Sunderland.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic:
Had an average game at the weekend against the Lilly-Whites, but Zlatan has a great chance of coming back to form this week against Crystal Palace