Manchester United are looking to get back to winning ways after three consecutive 0-0 draws.
The problem is we are going up against a Manchester City side who have just won 21 matches in a row.
There are a number of ways for United to mix up the team selection for this fixture at The Etihad.
These could include a change of formation, but there is unlikely to be any help from United’s injured contingent.
(Photo by MIKE HEWITT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Speaking to the club website, Solskjaer said: “Were still hoping to get one or two back of course. We cant promise any of them being available that werent available in the last game against Palace.So well go with the same squad if not.“
This would mean Anthony Martial and Donny van de Beek will be out of contention as starters at least, while Paul Pogba was always a long shot. David de Gea will not be available after returning to Spain for the birth of his child in midweek.
Who will start for United?
Solskjaer has become predictable and he is most likely to stick with his 4-2-3-1 formation.
Dean Henderson will start in goal due to De Gea’s absence, with Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka at full-back.
Victor Lindelof had a rest in midweek and despite many fans’ hopes to see Eric Bailly, by now we have come to expect United’s Swedish central defender partner Harry Maguire for these big games.
To be fair, Lindelof has played a big part in United’s clean sheet record against the ‘big six’ and will argue he deserves his place. However, he was involved as United lost 2-0 to City in the Carabao Cup in January.
In midfield it will almost certainly be Fred and Scott McTominay, although Nemanja Matic has been in decent form and has played well against City before, scoring a winner at The Etihad in the cup last season.
The player to lose their place in the front four will probably be Mason Greenwood, with Dan James coming in.
James started both league wins against City last season and Solskjaer likes his work ethic in the big matches.
Edinson Cavani should get a crack at City, having missed both previous matches against them this season due to injury and suspension.
In: James, Lindelof; Out: Greenwood, Bailly
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