Star Returns: Stongest Manchester United Line-up To Play Against Manchester City

Manchester United’s predicted line-up against Manchester City: Captain Rooney to return.

This weekend, the English Premier League will be hosting one of the biggest matches in the nation as two arch rivals from Manchester face each other. Both teams are expected to go for the kill and it all looks like an even battle for the Champions of last season and the Champions of two seasons ago. Man Utd have had a poorer start than Man City, but they have shown glimpses of their true potential against Chelsea while Man City, despite being in decent momentum, have entered a patchy form of late with two consecutive losses against West Ham in the Premier League and Newcastle in the Carling Cup. With a huge set of population eager to watch the game unfold, here we are, predicting the lineup of the Red Devils for the much awaited encounter.

Predicted Line-up (4-4-2 Diamond)

Goalkeeper:

David De Gea

The Spaniard has been in top form and has been appreciated at the international scene as well, when he replaced the out of form Iker Casillas. De Gea is deemed as the future goalkeeper of Spain after the likes of Iker Casillas and Pepe Reina etc are truly beyond their prime. De Gea meanwhile is enjoying his time at Man Utd and is the undisputed number one.

Defenders:

Right Back: Rafael

He is in a rather patchy form. While he is always a threat going forward, he lacks focus and composure while defending. Apparently, he is Man Utd’s best Right Back with his fair share of experience as well as good amount of flair. He needs to get some calmness into his defensive game and focus on reading the game better.

Center Back: Chris Smalling

It is known that Phil Jones is suffering from shin splints and may not recover in time for the Manchester Derby. Either way, Smalling is back to a healthy state and already faced a tough challenge against Chelsea, so he should be ready to take his spot in the heart of defence. He’ll need to be focused while facing Aguero, who would be a bundle of trickery.

Center Back: Marcos Rojo

Van Gaal is likely to choose him to partner Smalling. He had a scratchy performance against Chelsea when he was untidy at times, but would still gain confidence by restricting the league leaders to just one point and conceding only one goal.

Left Back: Luke Shaw

Man Utd’s expensive Left Back will have to prove that he’s a valuable member to the team. While he has shown that he is back to fitness levels, he needs to get back to his best form. He hasn’t been decisive yet, understandably adapting to Man Utd’s philosophy, but him getting to his usual tireless levels would be important for Man Utd in their bid to restore some sanity in their league position.

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Midfielders:

Central Defensive Midfield: Daley Blind

Blind will be the deepest midfielder for the Red Devils. He is a great controller of the game from a deep position, holding the possession by keeping the passes rolling. He has adapted to the Premier League pretty well and he would be expecting a tough challenge against Man City. While Chelsea were very cautious in their approach, Man City would be very aggressive and their central midfielder Yaya Toure and playmaker David Silva would be a handful.

Central Midfield (Box-to-Box): Marouane Fellaini

The Belgian is finally playing his natural brand of football. He is best suited in a system where he attacks the ball all the time rather than the one where he is the holding midfielder. He is a typical box to box midfielder, with great physicality. He would have influence in key attacking regions with his aerial threat while he would also offer some defensive techniques in his own half.

Central Midfield(Playmaker): Angel Di Maria

Di Maria would be the one floating across midfield trying to influence the game and get others into the game. He would be the one creating chances from scratch and passing long to the strikers and wingers. The Argentine would spread play, work hard while also attempt dribbles and shots. Di Maria would play the role very well in the diamond system and he would also provide width with his natural ability to position himself wide.

Central Attacking Midfielder (Number 10): Juan Mata

In a match like this, one would want to play Juan Mata ahead of young Adnan Januzaj. Mata, when in form, can be a devastating midfielder with his eye for a pass and a goal threat with his finishing ability. He hasn’t set the league alight but he is a crucial player if Man Utd want to have a go at their City rivals. He will also be playing as a playmaker, but in a more advanced position than Di Maria, where he would combine more with the strikers. He would also provide width as and when required.

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Attackers:

Striker: Wayne Rooney

Captain Wayne Rooney is expected to be back after a 3 game ban after his red card against West Ham. He would slot in well in the striker role next to a partner. He is very energetic and hardworking, as he has his influence all over the pitch. He is the captain of the team and immediately adds a bit of steel to a struggling team. He would increase the fear factor for the opposition with his presence.

Striker: Robin van Persie

Radamel Falcao missed the last game due to an injury he suffered in training. While, in the subsequent match against Chelsea, Robin van Persie scored a sensational last second goal to grab a point against league leaders Chelsea. Van Gaal would not want to break the momentum and the confidence of his vice-captain and it is highly likely that The Flying Dutchman would start the game.