Manchester United will enter the weekend Premier League Match against Crystal Palace, coming off back to back scoreless matches. The Red Devils recently drew against Manchester City this past weekend, and most recently, drew against Middlesbrough, however, ended up losing after penalties.
Louis van Gaal’s men now must travel to London and face a Palace side that has held their own for much of the season, but will still be licking their wounds after they were thumped by Manchester City in the Football League Cup Round of 16.
After deploying a younger lineup in the Capital One Cup, van Gaal should look to bring his strongest squad this coming Saturday. Luckily, when healthy, United do have a bit more depth in the squad compared to past seasons, but still may be looking to strengthen come the next transfer window.
Goalkeeper
David de Gea made way for Sergio Romero on Wednesday and deserved some much needed rest. Romero started the season during the de Gea turmoil, but the Spaniard will be back for Premier League action this weekend.
Right-Back
Matteo Darmian got the start on Wednesday and although the Red Devils did not concede a goal, there is some speculation that the in-form Antonio Valencia should be getting some more minutes. Darmian will have the opportunity to silence those whispers on Saturday.
Center-Backs
Phil Jones was rested on Wednesday, nonetheless, he should return in the central partnership with Chris Smalling, who continued to feature on Wednesday. Daley Blind was restored to the starting lineup on Wednesday, but should remain on the bench, providing cover at center back or left back.
Left-Back
The impressive Marcos Rojo will continue to feature on the left side of the defence this Saturday. Louis van Gaal was the one singing the praise of Rojo after he hept the pacey wingers of Manchester City at bay.
Defensive Midfield
The pair of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin have been the two that have separated themselves from the rest of the defensive midfield, most notably Michael Carrick, and staked their claim as van Gaal’s preferred duo. This was certainly apparent as Carrick and Marouane Fellaini featured on Wednesday, while the other two were rested ahead of Saturday’s match.
Attacking Midfield
The pair of Juan Mata and Ander Herrera were also rested on Wednesday, however, both should be restored to the starting 11. Anthony Martial was rested at the start of the match, however, he was called upon in the second half of the match, but he failed to score. The young Frenchman will certainly be back in the starting 11 come Saturday in London.
Forward
Although he came on in the second half and made the Red Devils look a bit more lively, captain, Wayne Rooney, misery continued, as he missed his penalty kick on Wednesday. Rooney continues to struggle, but van Gaal continues to show his faith in the United legend and will certainly back him to start and score his third league goal.
(4-2-3-1)
Via – Lineup Builder
