Manchester United’s joy at having climbed the table after a long time into the 5th position was indeed a short-lived one as Liverpool humbled Tottenham at Anfield and as a result, their arch rivals United once back dropped a place and back to the 6th spot. It just shows the unpredictability of the league and the cut-throat competition the teams are in the midst of right now.
But along with the bustling Premier League, the Red Devils also have to take care of their participation in the Europa League and while top teams haven’t really been fond of Thursday night football, at this point in time, it is looking like a better option for Manchester United as a route into the UEFA Champions League next season.
They have a Round of 32 match against Saint-Etienne up next and with a fairly easy FA Cup coming up, he might look to put the tie to bed in the first leg itself, which will be played at Old Trafford. A fairly strong team is expected but Jose will also know the perils of underestimating any team, having huffed and puffed their way out of a group which looked easy on paper.
PREDICTED MANCHESTER UNITED XI VS SAINT-ETIENNE (4-2-3-1)
DEFENCE
David De Gea might continue in goal with Romero likely to get a chance in the FA Cup. The Spaniard has been an integral part of their results in recent years and has salvaged many a game for his team. A clean sheet looks to be on the cards. Valencia will get a game at right-back and will look to rediscover his scintillating early-season form. Jones might play a part although he missed proceedings last time around. Rojo is likely to be his partner. Luke Shaw is likely to get an opportunity at left-back and needs to make full use of it.
MIDFIELD
Looking to go for the kill, Jose Mourinho might well unleash the world’s most expensive player in midfield and we might well see Paul Pogba renew familial competition as the possibility that Cheikh M’Bengue could sit out, allows the Pogba brothers to play against each other. Herrera will be the most likely partner and the duo will look to dominate proceedings at the centre of the park. In the No.10 role, we are likely to see Mkhitaryan pulling the strings.
ATTACK
Martial will look to carry on his scintillating form on the left-wing while Lingard looks like getting a game on the right-wing. Marcus Rashford would surely love a game but might well be given a chance in the weekend with Ibrahimovic leading the line against ASSE.
