Manchester United will travel to Spain tomorrow with David Moyes and his men looking to take a giant step towards Champions League knockout stages. The Red devils are in a run of good form recently with back to back victories in the league and cup ties an will look to build on that when they face Real Sociedad at the Anoeta Stadium.
With four straight victories in a row, Moyes will travel to Spain to face a Real Sociedad side who have just thrashed Osasuna in 5-0 in their league match. A win against Sociedad would see United potentially qualify for the knock out stages.
As far as United’s team news is concerned, the main focus will be on Rafael, Jones and Cleverley who were all subbed off during Fulhm’s clash after picking up injuries. Talking about the trio, David Moyes has said:
“It was three injuries. Actually, we had four with Patrice Evra taking a knock just before half-time. Jonny Evans’ back seized up, Rafael has gone over on his ankle and Tom Cleverley had double vision.
“It’s the first time I’ve ever had to make three [substitutions] at half-time. Sometimes, maybe the team in the past has not played well and I might have had to do it but it certainly wasn’t because of that today – it was down to injuries. I just have to hope they are okay.”
So let’s predict what the starting lineup might look like:
Defence:
Except for David De Gea, predicting the back four seems to be highly impossible. With Jones, Evra and Rafael having injury scares, Moyes could opt for an entirely new back four albeit let’s assume Evra will return. In center-back position Vidic should retain his spot while Ferdinand who missed the weekend’s game could partner alongside Vidic. For the right back role, Moyes will have to choose between Jones and Valencia or even Smalling. However, Valencia who had an excellent game against Fulham should be a tempting option for Moyes to use in the right wing rather than in a defensive position.
Midfield:
Midfield proves to the problematic area for Moyes so far this season. Although he has plenty of options, choosing the right man has been the manager’s real trouble. While Carrick is certain to start, it is selecting his partner that will give Moyes a headache. If Cleverley is still troubled with his double Vision problems, Fellaini would be the next option for Moyes. The Belgian who replaced Cleverley during Fulham’s match had a good game to earn some respect from his manager which might just be enough to make it into the starting berth.
On the wings, Valencia after his brilliant performance in the weekend will be a sure starter. But on the left, Moyes will have to think between Kagawa and youngster Januzaj. I am assuming Moyes will give Januzaj a much needed rest and avoid the risk of handing over too many games for the youngster in such a short period. And given that Moyes opted for Kagawa last time around, the Japanese midfielder might find himself back in the squad.
Forwards:
No questions here. Rooney and Van Persie should spearhead United’s attack.
So here is how the lineup would look like:
