Louis van Gaal and Manchester United are coming off a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford that saw United gain a point and creep ever so closer to a top 4 spot.
With Manchester City slipping up against Southampton in the Premier League and then getting bounced by Real Madrid in Champions League football, Manuel Pellegrini’s men will be looking to pick up their play and keep the Red Devils out of their rear view.
Norwich City will be the site of this weekends match that will have all eyes on van Gaal and United in what could be one of the most pivotal matches of the year.
Here is the strongest possible lineup for the match at Carrow Road against the Canaries –
Goalkeeper
David de Gea could of done better for the goal he let up against Leicester City but nevertheless a solid showing from the keeper. The Spaniard just keeps on getting better.
Defence
Antonio Valencia, not known for his defending will be the right back on the day while Matteo Darmian will be patrolling the left side of the defence. Both players are great in attack and with facing the 19th placed team in the league, van Gaal can afford to gamble with these attack minded backs. Timothy Fosu-Mensah remains a strong candidate to replace Valencia if the Ecuadorian fails to make an impact.
Without a doubt, Chris Smalling and Daley Blind are van Gaal’s preferred pair and the duo will once again be in the center of defence. Smalling’s impressive season was recently rewarded when he was voted Players’ Player of The Year by his fellow teammates at the recent awards ceremony.
Midfield
Wayne Rooney and Morgan Schneiderlin should be in the center of the park where they will both have the energy to cover the center of the pitch. Schneiderlin has been on the bench of late but with Marouane Fellaini being charged with violent conduct after his tussle with Robert Huth, we could see the former Southampton man paired with the United captain.
Jesse Lingard endured a frustrating match at Old Trafford against the would be title winners, but he’ll be on the right wing and will be joined by Memphis Depay as the other wide man. Playing with two traditional wingers is certainly something van Gaal hasn’t experienced much with but with a convincing win needed, the Dutchman may release the brakes and let his players express themselves a bit more.
Forward
Norwich has let up the 4th most goal in the League this season so United may opt for two strikers on the day and further add to the misery the Canaries have endured.
Marcus Rashford, fresh off scooping up the Under 18’s Player of the Year will be paired with Anthony Martial up front. The young Englishman will be looking to bounce back after a so-so match against the Foxes where he failed to run at their tough back line.
