Louis van Gaal’s Manchester United are approaching one of their most important matches of the year, as they travel to Germany to take on Wolfsburg in the Champions League group stage play. A win would surely secure a berth in the knockout stage, however, anything else will put the fate in others hands.
United’s previous group match was another 0-0 draw at home against PSV a few weeks ago. In fact, across United’s last three matches in all competitions, the Red Devils have only mustered 1 goal, drawing all three matches.
Here is how United will lineup:
GOALKEEPER
David de Gea enjoyed his 6th clean sheet in the Premier League in the draw against West Ham this past weekend. He’ll certainly be trusted this Tuesday away from home and must be in top form in order for United to advance.
RIGHT BACK
Matteo Darmian enjoyed the start to his campaign at Old Trafford, but his form has dipped in recent weeks. With so many injuries to the defence, van Gaal has no choice to start the Italian International and hope he can rediscover his form this Tuesday.
CENTER BACKS
Chris Smalling and the returning Phil Jones should be the central pairing ahead of the Champions league clash, with Paddy McNair doubtful with an injury sustained against West Ham. Smalling enjoyed another man of the match performance against West Ham, with the United defence not conceding a goal once again.
LEFT BACK
Lack of pace will always hinder Daley Blind, which will leave United open for the counter-attack, but his resourcefulness and adaptability will keep him in the lineup, as he moves over to left back. He also could be used in cover for defensive midfield with another injury happening over the weekend.
CENTRAL DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDERS
Morgan Schneiderlin limped off in the match against West Ham and was abruptly replaced by Michael Carrick. Carrick enjoyed a much improved display as he was trying to play in passes to the feat of his attackers.
Partnering with Carrick will be Bastian Schweinsteiger, who was taken off with 20 minutes to play, saving his legs for this upcoming match. Carrick and Schweinsteiger lack pace, but their experience will be vital in this match up.
ATTACKING MIDFIELDER
Juan Mata had a mixed game this past weekend, as he was deployed back in his creative number 10 role with Wayne Rooney ruled out. With Rooney out once again, he will be asked to create the chances for his wingers and striker, but he’ll have to do a far more convincing job if he is going to keep Rooney out of the number 10 role when her returns.
WINGERS
Jesse Lingard and Memphis Depay will be the two to aid Mata in the midfield attack this Tuesday. Memphis attacked well when he was introduced on Saturday, but like all of the other United attacking players, he’ll be judged on goals and not just in how well he attacks and runs.
STRIKER
Anthony Martial, like others, made the good runs and got into the box, but he has not been clinical enough in the box as of late. With Rooney struggling and now injured, a lot is being asked of Martial at the moment.
(4-2-3-1)
Via – Lineup Builder
