Two
days to go ahead of this mega match-up between defending champion Manchester United and title contender Chelsea, who coincidently sits on top of the Premier
League table – courtesy of that extra game (and win) against Aston Villa. One
thing for sure, we can expect Jose Mourinho to continue his ‘mind games’,
making statements - especially on the Wayne Rooney issue. He needs to, based on United’s win over Swansea and the fact
that it is at Old Trafford.
On team selection, expect David Moyes to pick almost the same team as he did for the last two games against Wigan and Swansea. David de Gea, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra, Michael Carrick, Ryan Giggs, Danny Welbeck, Robin Van Persie are certain to make the starting line-up. It remains to be seen whether Phil Jones will continue to start at rightback, whether Antonio Valencia will continue at the right flank, and whether Tom Cleverly will be replace at the centre of the midfield. Moyes does have the options of Fabio da Silva at rightback, or even Valencia. Anderson and Shinji Kagawa would be the options should Cleverly did not make Moyes team, while at the right side of the flank, fans could possibly see Wilfred Zaha making his home debut. Given the opponents experience will be important and Kagawa would be another option. However most fans would be surprise if a certain wantaway striker makes the starting XI.
On the hand, given Chelsea's creative trio that play behind one main striker, the most likely formation for David Moyes would be fielding two midfielders in a more holding role. in this case fans can probably see Phil Jones partnering Michael Carrick in central midfield (Anderson could be an option here) with the more defensive capable Giggs and Welbeck taking their places at the flanks. That will leave either Antonio Valencia deputizing at rightback, or Fabio da Silva coming in the team. Up front, Shinji Kagawa might be use behind Robin Van Persie. Whichever formation Moyes chooses, the team will not be much different from what we have seen so far this season.
On team selection, expect David Moyes to pick almost the same team as he did for the last two games against Wigan and Swansea. David de Gea, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra, Michael Carrick, Ryan Giggs, Danny Welbeck, Robin Van Persie are certain to make the starting line-up. It remains to be seen whether Phil Jones will continue to start at rightback, whether Antonio Valencia will continue at the right flank, and whether Tom Cleverly will be replace at the centre of the midfield. Moyes does have the options of Fabio da Silva at rightback, or even Valencia. Anderson and Shinji Kagawa would be the options should Cleverly did not make Moyes team, while at the right side of the flank, fans could possibly see Wilfred Zaha making his home debut. Given the opponents experience will be important and Kagawa would be another option. However most fans would be surprise if a certain wantaway striker makes the starting XI.
On the hand, given Chelsea's creative trio that play behind one main striker, the most likely formation for David Moyes would be fielding two midfielders in a more holding role. in this case fans can probably see Phil Jones partnering Michael Carrick in central midfield (Anderson could be an option here) with the more defensive capable Giggs and Welbeck taking their places at the flanks. That will leave either Antonio Valencia deputizing at rightback, or Fabio da Silva coming in the team. Up front, Shinji Kagawa might be use behind Robin Van Persie. Whichever formation Moyes chooses, the team will not be much different from what we have seen so far this season.
While a win or loss
does not really matter so early on the season, the winner will certainly earns
that ‘extra bragging rights’ – especially coming from Jose Mourinho. For David
Moyes it will be another breather from his critics, especially when his
transfer activities are still under scrutiny from certain sections of the
Manchester United fans, as well as his handling of the Wayne Rooney saga.
No comments:
Post a Comment