Manchester United are flying on three fronts and few would bet against them ending up with at least one trophy this season. Many would expect Fergie to rest many of his top men against Reading in the FA Cup on Monday, considering that Manchester United are playing at home and have some big challenges ahead.
But with a gaping lead in the title race and a 3 week hiatus before the 2nd leg of the Champions League tie against Real Madrid, the Manchester United boss could well select a strong side to continue the seemingly relentless quest for an unlikely 2nd treble of his career.
United performed brilliantly in Madrid but they didn’t have a lot of possession and therefore covered much ground during the 90 – more than they would normally do in The Premier League, where they typically dominate possession.
So, the boss will probably rest some of the hardest workers from Wednesday and fill their positions with squad members who are desperate for a game.
Let’s talk about those players. Paul Scholes would be in the side if fit, but he will be out for another fortnight. Ashley Young and Nani really need minutes after recent injuries, so they will likely take the wing slots.
We are going to plump with Anderson and Tom Cleverley for the midfield slots.
Chicharito is another who will more than likely start and, despite running himself into the ground on Wednesday, Danny Welbeck will be keen to continue the momentum that he found against Madrid.
In defence, Nemanja Vidic and Chris Smalling are due a start if fit and Alex Buttner may even get the nod on the left. Jonny Evans may continue in the central area, meaning an outing on the right hand side for Smalling.
So, there could be a lot of changes but Manchester United fans will hope that Reading aren’t taken too lightly. They are, after all, a Premier League side and although league survival will be their priority, expect a keen fight on Monday night from The Royals. Fergie will over tinker at his peril.
We do feel that Manchester United will have enough to get through and superstars to come off the bench should a saviour be needed during the game. Even at the miserly odds of 2/7 with William Hill, we believe it’s worth a flutter and the soccersweep kitty is going on this one.
So here goes with the lottery of predicting an XI
De Gea, Smalling, Evans, Vidic, Buttner, Nani, Anderson, Scholes, Young, Chicharito, Welbeck
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AJ
Feb 15, 2013 at 1:42 pm
I wouldnt mind seeing the following squad v Reading as De Gea/Van Persie could do with rest, we have to start playing Chicharito more and I expect to see him play Madrid @ OT, Amos deserves a game and I would love it if Tunni was involved.
Amos. Smalling, Vidic, Jones, Buttner. Valencia, Anderson, Cleverley, Nani. Chicharito, Welbeck
*** Lindegaard, Januzaj, Tunnicliffe, Powell, Young, Carrick, Rooney.
I predict ManUtd to score atleast 3 goals.
Phemo
Feb 15, 2013 at 2:00 pm
Good pridiction,but madrid on my mind.chicarito,vidic & nani on my mind 4 d real madrid game.up united