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Selection Headache For Van Gaal After Injury Crisis – Possible Manchester United Lineup To Play Against Chelsea

Manchester United are flying high after their magnificent 4-2 victory over city rivals Manchester City. Louis van Gaal’s side can climb to second place in the league standings and close the gap on leaders Chelsea with a win in the late kickoff on Saturday.

Juan Mata is all set to return to Stamford Bridge for the very first time since Jose Mourinho sanctioned a £37.1 million move for the Spaniard to Old Trafford. But with the likes of Michael Carrick, Marcos Rojo, Daley Blind and Phil Jones all injured, van Gaal may have to call on the promising Paddy McNair in defence. Robin van Persie is back in training, but is most likely to only make the bench.

Let’s take a look at the Manchester United team which is likely to take the field against the Blues.

Goalkeeper – David De Gea

The Spaniard was nominated for the PFA Player of the year and the PFA Young Player of the year earlier this week and will be looking to build on his impressive season.

Defence – Valencia, Smalling, McNair, Shaw.

Valencia and Smalling select themselves after a run of diligent defensive performances. The young Paddy McNair comes in for the injured Phil Jones while Luke Shaw is fit enough to face his boyhood club.

Midfield – Fellaini, Herrera, Young, Mata, Di Maria.

Marouane Fellaini will be dropping deeper in Michael Carrick’s defence with Ashley Young dropping alongside Ander Herrera to provide defensive cover along with attacking thrust from a deeper position.

Juan Mata has been deadly in recent weeks with his passing and movement and with the sprightly Angel Di Maria on the left wing, United can catch the Blues off-guard with their pace and movement, like City discovered a week back.

Striker – Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney would be looking to make a bigger impact in his lone striker role after a subdued Manchester derby.

Manchester United Lineup - Football tactics and formations