Following a torrid start to the season, Manchester United have made a wonderful recovery in the league and with their unbeaten run stretching into double figures, the Red Devils are well on course of finishing in one of the Champions League positions.
However the scarring 4-0 embarrassment at the hands of minnows MK Dons in the League Cup during the early part of the season, remains fresh in the memory and Louis van Gaal will most certainly be looking for his side to exorcise their demons when they square off against Yeovil Town in the 3rd Round FA Cup clash at Huish Park on Sunday.
United clearly head into the game as overwhelming favourites against the League One strugglers but the FA Cup is famous for its romantic upsets an if the Red Devils approach the match with complacency, they might well be on the wrong end of another embarrassment.
Here is the Strongest Possible Lineup for Manchester United on the day –
Goalkeeper
Louis van Gaal has stated that he will take the clash against Yeovil seriously and as a result, the Dutchman could persist with David De Gea in goal ahead of second choice goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard.
Lindegaard is by no means a bad goalkeeper but he does not seem to have won the faith of van Gaal and it looks like the Danish goalkeeper will again have to make do with a place on the bench.
Defence
Van Gaal’s 5-3-2 system has not worked particularly well in recent matches, with the backline looking very weak in particular. Therefore, there is a strong possibility that the Dutchman will revert back to a four man defence for the clash against Yeovil and one can certainly expect a host of changes in terms of the personnel.
Both Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia are struggling with injuries and it will mean that Luke Shaw and Rafael are certain to start in the full back positions.
At central defence, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans should drop out in favour of Chris Smalling and Paddy McNair, while young duo Tyler Blackett and Tom Thorpe will also be hopeful of earning starts on the day.
The duo of Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind have not recovered sufficiently from their injuries and look set to miss out once again.
Midfield
Given the fixture congestion over the past few weeks, Michael Carrick and Juan Mata could well be handed a rest for the clash and the duo of Darren Fletcher and Ander Herrera look the most likely replacements at the middle of the park.
To make up the four man midfield, Adnan Januzaj and Wayne Rooney should start in the attacking roles for the Red Devils.
The likes of Marouane Fellaini and Angel Di Maria are still recovering from their injuries and will probably not feature on the day.
Attack
Young James Wilson looks certain to be awarded a start against Yeovil and he will most certainly be hopeful of impressing van Gaal with a good performance.
As for Wilson’s strike partner, Radamel Falcao could be handed the nod while Robin van Persie should get a rest after starting almost every game over the last two months.
(4-1-2-1-2)
Via – Lineup Builder
