On Monday 10th January Manchester United host Aston Villa in the third round of the FA Cup. With the atmosphere around the club being so toxic, we as fans could definitely do with a win here. And the players and coaches could do with that to remind some of them what they are supposed to be about.
Opposition
Aston Villa come into this game with mixed form. In their last 6 games, they have won 2 and lost the other 4. In the League this season they have played 19. Of that 19, they have 7 wins, 1 draw and 11 losses. This gives them a total of 22 points and puts them in 13th place. When Steven Gerrard came in I’m sure this is not what he would have wanted from this season.
Gerrard has tended to stick with the 4-3-3 formation starting with Martínez in goal. And then a back four that will most likely comprise of Cash, Konsa, Mings and Targett. And then a midfield three of Ramsey, McGinn and Luiz. With a front three looking most likely to feature Buendía, Ings and Watkins.
Manchester United
As we all know the mood around the club has been awful. Off the back of the loss to Wolves last week the entire narrative has been negative. And obviously with the way that things are a lot things are being blown well out of proportion with regards to the appointing of Rangnick. However, we have seen lots of criticism being levelled at certain players. In terms, of questioning their levels of effort. And this I think has been a valid criticism.
I think if it were up to a lot of fans, we would see a change in formation and probably a heavily rotated side. But as it is Ralf Rangnick is the one making that call and I don’t think he will be as drastic. I think he will stick to his guns in terms of the 4-2-2-2. We could see Dean Henderson in goal with a look to move him on and get him some game time. As a centre-back pairing I think we could see the return of Phil Jones alongside Raphael Varane. Alex Telles and Diogo Dalot will most likely be brought back into the fold. And then I think we are going to see the return of Fred and McTominay. As poor as McTominay was against Wolves I can’t see anyone else playing here.
In the two wider areas I think we should see Bruno back on the pitch. With Sancho on the other side. Again as poor as Sancho looked against Wolves, I can’t see the likes of Donny or Jesse getting a game. And up top I think Mason Greenwood should start alongside Ronaldo. I think this is going to be a really tough game. And if we do get the win it’s going to be by one goal. I don’t think we are going to keep a clean sheet. And so I am going for a 2-1 United win. This is more out of hope than expectation albeit.