Manchester United will be relieved to see the end of their gruelling festive schedule as they host Stoke City on Monday night.
The Red Devils have been hugely involved in the January transfer window and are tagged as favourites to sign either of Alexis Sanchez or Mesut Ozil, which was somewhat overshadowed their recent troubles on the pitch, as they have won only two out of their last five matches.
Currently second in the league table, Jose Mourinho’s men will look to take a three-point over third-placed Chelsea with a win against Stoke City on Monday.
Here’s the predicted 4-2-3-1 Manchester United line-up to face the Potters.
Defence
David de Gea will be the man between the sticks for the Red Devils. The Spanish goalkeeper will once again be a key figure on Monday as he hunts for his fourth consecutive clean sheets in all competitions.
It could be a possibility that Antonio Valencia could once again come back into the side, after sustaining an injury last month. However, being doubtful, coach Jose Mourinho will probably opt for Victor Lindelof as the right back while Luke Shaw will continue starting as the left back for Manchester United.
Phil Jones is expected to replace Daley Blind, who started in their last game against Derby. The England International will partner his compatriot Chris Smalling in central defence.
Midfield
Nemanja Matic, as usual, will be deployed as the central defensive midfielder. The Serbian has been a key influence in the Manchester United midfield this season, after moving from Chelsea last summer. He will be partnered by French superstar Paul Pogba, in a slightly advanced midfield position.
The former Juventus man will be a vital cog in midfield thanks to his ability to work in half spaces and create opportunities for his teammates.
Attack
Juan Mata is a definite starter on the right midfield position. The Spaniard has often been a key influence in the Manchester United’s creative department and he will once again be expected to make a strong impact against Stoke City on Monday.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who started against Derby County is likely to make way for Jesse Lingard, Manchester United’s man of the moment. Lingard has been in an exquisite form of late and could be one of the players to look out for. Elsewhere, Marcus Rashford is expected to start as the left midfielder.
Romelu Lukaku will lead the charge for the Red Devils on Monday!
