Strongest Possible Manchester United Line Up To Face Stoke City – Mata And Martial To Start

Manchester United will be looking for just a third Premier League win since November when they host Stoke City on Tuesday. The 1-0 defeat to Southampton last week has left Louis van Gaal’s side five points adrift of the top four and created further speculation over the manager’s future. Some of that pressure was lifted on Friday when United secured a 1-0 victory over Derby County in the FA Cup. Stoke recorded a comfortable 2-0 win against United on Boxing Day but their form has taken a dip since the turn of the new year.

Goalkeeper: David De Gea

De Gea has been in superb form this season after his transfer to Real Madrid could not go through dramatically on the last day. He is certain to start between the sticks on Tuesday, one of the first names on the team sheet. He has to be amongst the top 3 goalkeepers in the world. There is no manager in the world who would want to keep this man out of the team.

Defenders: Matteo Darmian, Cameron Borthwick Jackson, Chris Smalling and Daley Blind

Matteo Darmian has joined the ever-growing list of players on the sidelines after being forced off against Southampton. Guillermo Varela started at right back against Derby County and will be expected to keep his place. With Luke Shaw and Marcos Rojo also out with long-term injuries, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson is expected to keep his place in the team. Blind should continue in the centre alongside Chris Smalling who has been very solid this season.

Midfielders: Morgan Schneiderlin, Michael Carrick, Juan Mata, Ander Herrera and Anthony Martial

Bastian Schweinsteiger is doubt for this match with a knee injury, therefore we might see the combination of Schneiderlin and Carrick in the middle, who is again fit and ready to start. Fellaini hasn’t impressed a lot recently and it won’t be surprising to see him dropped to the bench. In the middle it will be Juan Mata pulling the strings along with Herrera and Martial as the attacking three. Van Gaal will be wanting to get back to winning ways hence he might not take the risk of starting Lingard over Herrera.

Striker: Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney has suddenly come into some form and the goals are flying in at the moment. His goal against Derby County was an exceptional piece of skill, which would have definitely given him a huge boost. While he already broke Thierry Henry’s record, Wayne Rooney will once again look to add to his tally.