Manchester United take on Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday after a convincing win against Bournemouth at Dean Court.
After their latest win in the Premier League, they moved up to seventh position level on points with Bournemouth, but below them on goal difference. The performances of Marcus Rashford and Ander Herrera would have excited Jose Mourinho, as well as disappointed from those of Fred and Juan Mata.
The Gaffer has been unable to pin down his No. 1 centre-forward choice, with all of Alexis Sanchez, Rashford, and Romelu Lukaku playing but unable to cement themselves in that position.
Here is the predicted the line-up that will face Juve this week:
Mourinho will be bringing in changes to solidify the team, which has kept three clean sheets across all competitions this season. The Portuguese seems to be sticking to his plan A, hoping to spark the creativity from midfield, reducing the burden on the wingers. This would also allow him to match the formation Juve impliment, thereby neutralising the midfield battle.
Goalkeeper: David De Gea
Even though many seem to be still claiming that he’s still not over his World Cup hangover, there can be no argument about his class. Which De Gea showed by making some smart and brilliant saves against Bournemouth, which could be the kick-start for him to prove his ‘world’s best’ tag.
Defenders: Ashley Young, Chriss Smalling, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw
With United boss apparently falling out with Antonio Valencia, it’s highly unlikely he’ll make a return against Juve, and with Ashley Young being so far so good, it doesn’t seem that any tweaks are necessary at right-back.
With Chris Smalling and Victor Lindelof both getting a continued run of games together, it looks like they’re developing a partnership with notably the latter’s performances improving considerably brilliantly.
Luke Shaw continues with his good performances at left-back, continuing to own it, with Matteo Darmian unable to break in.
Midfielders: Nemanja Matic, Ander Herrera, Paul Pogba
Nemanja Matic will slot in in front of the back four, keeping Andreas Peirera out of the squad.
Paul Pogba will face his old club after his inconsistent but good performance last weekend.
Herrera is set to replace Fred after he performed really well, coming on as a substitute. His man marking abilities will come into play.
Forwards: Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford, Alexis Sanchez
The new-found talisman, Anthony Martial was at it again against Bournemouth, getting on the scoresheet once again. And because his rich run of form, the Frenchman will be unable to dislodge from the left-wing.
Rashford might prove Mourinho’s decision of dropping Lukaku as a tactically analysed risk rather than just a hit and miss chance after he bagged the winner against the Cherries in the ninety second minute.
Even though his performance was not something like a stellar, or an eye catching one, but his assist saw the Red Devils equalise through Martial before the break. And his high defensive work rate could come in handy against Juve’s Alex Sandro, to pin him down at the back.
Mourinho is still looking for a statement of intent and this could probably be one of the three biggest opportunities he could ask for, with one being the Manchester Derby, the other being the Red Derby.
Hopefully his wait for a kick-start would come to an end against the best team in Europe at the moment.
Line-up (4-3-3):
