Man United prediction: Predicted Man United XI to face Norwich City
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hasn’t been afraid to rotate his Manchester United squad this season and it will be fascinating to see how many changes he makes for the trip to Norwich City. The Canaries have taken the huge scalp of Man City at Carrow Road already this season, yet they’ve struggled since, with a huge injury list hampering their progress.
United have injury concerns of their own in the shape of Paul Pogba, Scott McTominay, and Diogo Dalot, who are all expected to miss the game, along with Eric Bailly who has just returned to training.
Norwich, on the other hand, have been plagued by injuries this season. Timm Klose is out till March with a cruciate ligament injury while Josip Drmic too is out with a hamstring problem.
Though Manchester United start the fixture as the favorites, they would not underestimate Norwich City, who have shown that they do have the quality to threaten other teams. Daniel Farke’steam will not have much to lose as they will be the underdogs as the visiting side against the Red Devils which is why they will play without any fear.
A victory for Solskjaer’s side will increase their chances of sneaking back into the top four of the Premier League with Chelsea appearing to have lost their form at a vital stage in the season.
Here is how United can line up against the Canaries.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Predicted XI
1. David De Gea (GK)
De Gea has been prone to the odd blunder this season but continues to be United’s number one between the sticks. He should start the game ahead of Romero unless hit by injury.
2. Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB)
The English defender registered his first assist of the season against Newcastle but struggled to get going at the Emirates. He will be looking to improve his game against the bottom placed Norwich.
3. Harry Maguire (CB)
The stand-in skipper will be expected to put in defence after being opened up by Arsenal twice in the first half. Maguire will also look to contribute in the other end of the pitch after having squandered several chances this season.
4. Victor Lindelof (CB)
The Swede has slowly established himself as a vital cog in the team and will look to continue his good form against Norwich. With Bailly back in training, the onus will be on Lindelof to put in consistent performances.
5. Brandon Williams (LB)
Luke Shaw struggled against the pace of Arsenal which means that Brandon Williams might get the nod ahead of the former Southampton man. Williams has been good but has picked up 4 yellow cards in as many games and needs to be careful as another booking will see him miss a game.
6. Nemanja Matic (CM)
With Pogba and McTominay injured, Matic seems like the best bet in the centre of the park for United. He has lost a couple of yards but his experience will prove vital against the likes of Pukki and Todd Cantwell.
7. Fred (CDM)
The Brazilian has blown hot and cold throughout his time at Old Trafford but struggled like many of his teammates against Arsenal. He was caught on the ball several times but his ball retention skills make him one of the first names on the team sheet.
8. Andreas Pereira (CAM)
Lingard struggled in 2019 and was unable to register a goal or an assist in the Premier League. His drought continued against Arsenal and was taken off early in the second half for Pereira who is likely to get the nod ahead of the England midfielder.
9. Mason Greenwood (RW)
The Welshman James struggled to get used to the pace of the game on New Years and might get a much deserved rest against Norwich. If he does, Greenwood, who has been in phenomenal form this season, will start on the right flank.
10. Marcus Rashford (LW)
The academy star has been United’s player of the season so far and will look to punish a struggling Norwich side who have conceded a whopping 41 goals in 21 games.
11. Anthony Martial (ST)
The Frenchman has been in fine form in the last few games and his partnership with Rashford could prove to be the difference between the two sides.
