Manchester United will play hosts to Manchester City at Old Trafford on Wednesday night looking to bounce back from their humiliating 4-0 defeat at the hands of Everton last weekend. The Red Devils have suffered a significant dip in form in recent weeks which could see them miss out on UEFA Champions League football next season. Hence, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will demand a strong response from his players for this midweek clash versus the reigning Premier League champions.
The United boss is expected to opt for a 4-3-3 formation with Luke Shaw set to return to the Man United first-team after serving out his two-game suspension.
4-3-3 Manchester United Predicted Lineup To Face Manchester City
Defence
David De Gea will lineup as Man United’s first-choice keeper once again despite conceding four goals against the Toffees last weekend. The Spanish keeper is completely out of form, so he needs to step up and put in a solid display against the Citizens in midweek.
The Red Devils goalie will be protected by the centre-half duo of Chris Smalling and Victor Lindelof as they try to cope with Sergio Aguero’s threat in their own half. Luke Shaw should return from his suspension to feature in the left-back position.
Diogo Dalot could get another start at right-back as Solskjaer looks to hand Ashley Young some rest after a run of poor displays from him. The home side needs to be at their best if they are to restrict their rivals from scoring on Wednesday night.
Midfield
The Red Devils might lineup with the same midfield three of Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic and Fred that started versus Everton last weekend. The trio put in a dismal performance away at Goodison Park so Solskjaer would hope that they can fare much better in front of the Man United supporters at Old Trafford.
Pogba owes his supporters a big performance, so maybe he will finally show his true worth against the Citizens in this upcoming Manchester derby. Scott McTominay might have to be content with a place on the bench. He is expected to come on and make an impact in the second half if needed.
Attack
Solskjaer could decide to drop Romelu Lukaku for this clash which means that his frontline would consist of Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard stretching the pitch on the wide areas while Marcus Rashford looks to use pace down the middle to wreak havoc inside the Man City penalty box.
Juan Mata will be available on the bench and might come on during the derby if required.
