Manchester United make a short 45 mile trip to the midlands to face Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. The Blades have been in the form of their lives and sit 5th on the League table with 17 points off 12 games.
Chris Wilder has been the orchestrator of the side’s humongous success. The manager has been with the blades since 2016 and has seen the side move from League One football to top drawer Premier League football. He has also been rumored for the manager job at Arsenal and Spurs, before the latter appointed Jose Mourinho on early Wednesday.
Manchester United have also turned a somewhat bitter start to the season and sit on the 7th spot with 16 points just outside European places. United need wins to bring back the confidence in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his men. The side has been improving with Anthony Martial, Daniel James and Marcus Rashford all contributing to goals.
Defensive issues are still in display but Aaron Wan Bissaka, the player with the most tackles in the league and Victor Lindelof’s improved game have been bright spots. They need an influx of positive performances to upstage the sense of fear and uncertainty surrounding Old Trafford.
Their last fixture saw them beat Brighton And Hove Albion 3-1 with ease. The goals came from Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay. The could see the red half of Manchester move to the 5th spot in the league table, a much assuring position entering into the festive period.
PREDICTED LINE-UPS:
Chris Wilder’s start to life in the Premier League has been one to remember as his side have performed outstandingly. The Blades have just conceded 9 goals, 2nd best in the league and better than even leaders Liverpool (10) and defending Champions Manchester City (13).
John Lundstram, who has been pushed higher up the field in an attacking midfield role had been pivotal for the Midlands based outfit. Lys Mousset also seems to be the man in form and one to watch out for. Baldock, Basham, Egan and Enda Stevens have all contributed to a very strong defensive show for the Blades. Chris Wilder is likely to operate his preferred 3-5-2
Predicted Line-Ups:
Moore, Basham, Egan, O’Connell, Baldock, Lundstram, Norwood (C), Fleck, Stevens, Mousset, McGoldrick 3-5-2
United still miss Frenchman Paul Pogba through injury, but his return seems ever so closer now. The return of Anthony Martial has given the Red Devils a much needed vigour in attack. The number 9 turned provider as he created 2 assists in the match against Brighton And Hove Albion. United would need the pace of Daniel James to help unlock a stubborn defence.
Scott McTominay’s hold over the game has improved levels this season and the midfielder would want to continue such positive displays. Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are expected to start in the heart of defence. David De Gea is most likely to continue between the sticks.
Predicted Line-Ups:
De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Williams, McTominay, Fred, Pereira, James, Rashford, Martial 4-2-3-1
Referee: Andre Marriner
Venue: Bramall Lane, Sheffield (32125)
English Premier League, Round 13
Time: 16:30 GMT, Sunday
