[RedDevil@84]

McNair is useless going forward and Januzaj cant defend at all..
Not sure what we would do still trying to play 3 at the back..

 

[ivaldo]

Say what you want, but right now they are a better side than us, and we will have to discover some form to get a result.

Yeah they smashed Ipswich 1-1 at home yesterday, lost 2 of their last 6. Spot on.

 

[Sunny Jim]

Yeah they smashed Ipswich 1-1 at home yesterday, lost 2 of their last 6. Spot on.

Have you seen these games??

I guess you havnt.

 

[ivaldo]

Have you seen these games??

I guess you havnt.

Have you seen the league? I guess you haven't.

 

[Sunny Jim]

Have you seen the league? I guess you haven't.

I watched their Arsenal game, they didny look bad you knwo.

 

[Ish]

I'm hoping for something closes to our "strongest" team, IMO, but LvG will play Rooney in midfield . Just no 3 at the back, please god! The only time we should ever be playing 3 at the back is if Carrick is 1 of the 3, with Blind as the DM. Or vice versa.

-------------------DDG

Jones----Smalling---Evans---Shaw

------------------Carrick
----------Herrera---------AdM
--------------------Mata

--------------Rooney---RvP/Falcao

Does anyone know when Rojo and Blind are due back?

 

[Antisocial]

With Shaw, Rojo and Young probably out, and Rafael and Valencia on the other side likewise then I think it's back to the tried and tested "Smalling or Jones on the right" option we all love so much, with Blackett at left back:

Jones-Smalling-Evans-Blackett

Which will effectively be in a back 5:

Smalling-Carrick-Evans
Jones--------------Blackett

Unless we make a mad dash signing fullbacks before Sunday then it'll have to be something like that, possibly with McNair in the three if Carrick starts in midfield (that'll only be temporary until one of Jones, Smalling or Evans get injured in the match anyway).

Southampton shouldn't be favourites here, but we should recognise we aren't exactly at our best compared to them right now. A draw wouldn't be horrendous all things considered.

 

[ivaldo]

I watched their Arsenal game, they didny look bad you knwo.

They didn't but its a results game, we may not be playing pretty football but we are grinding out results, which is why we are higher than them in the league and are on a better run than they are.

 

[IwatUwat]

Tough game this, Pelle could well bully our defence, however if we use width in this game, saints defend fairly narrow and therefore can have space round the outside we could exploit this, especially with Di Maria back.

But they are a solid outfit. And CM with Wanyama and Davies both of which playing really well currently. Believe Mane is injured so that's good for us.

Team wise, Im unsure who can play RB / LB for us. But I'd go for:

--------------De Gea

--Jones---Smalling--Evans--Blackett

---------------Carrick----

---------Di Maria-----Rooney

----------------Mata---

------------RVP-----Falcao---

Tempted with wingers and a standard 4-4-2 as I believe we may be able to get wide like Chelsea and Hazard did to cause them a few issues, but I hate our continued crossing with the 3-5-2 such a lack of creativity. So would hope they above would get Di Maria and Rooney on the ball.

Tempted to drop Falcao play Rooney up top and Herrera in midfield as I think he's quality and adds so much to our team, but...not sure that would give us enough physicality and defensiveness against Wanyama, Davies, Pelle etc.

 

[tob]

Feck it..

-------------------de Gea
-------Jones-----Smalling-----Evans
Lingard-----------Carrick----------Januzaj
---------------Mata-----Rooney
-------Wilson--------------------di Maria

 

[GapMinder]

Would like to see

Falcao -- van Persie
di Maria
Blind -- Rooney -- Carrick -- Mata
LaPorte -- Hummels -- Howedes
De Gea
​

4 - 0

 

[Magnus]

De Gea
Jones Smalling Evans Blackett
Mata Carrick Herrera Di Maria
Rooney RVP/Falcao

Judging by yesterdays performance though Bobby Charlton shouldn´t sit in the stands. I´m sure he still can pass the bloody ball to a teammate

 

[ThanksBoss26]

De Gea

Jones
Smalling
Evans
Blackett/Rojo

Carrick

Rooney
Herrera/Fellaini

Mata

Di Maria
van Persie

 

[Chuckazulu]

The player that we really need to watch out for is Wanyama. If Wanyama plays like a beast, things might go terribly wrong for us. Hopefully, our midfield will boss the game but i fear for our lightweights. Its going to be a wonderful game though and I believe we'll win. This. Is. Old Trafford

 

[sunama]

Would like to see

Falcao -- van Persie
di Maria
Blind -- Rooney -- Carrick -- Mata
LaPorte -- Hummels -- Howedes
De Gea
​

4 - 0

Hehehe.
Okay, if we are playing fantasy football, I'd like to go with:

Falcao
Rooney-- Bale
Di Maria-- Carrick -- Mata
Blind
Shaw-- Hummels -- Rafael
De Gea​

 

[sunama]

Hopefully, our midfield will boss the game but i fear for our lightweights. Its going to be a wonderful game though and I believe we'll win. This. Is. Old Trafford

I wouldnt say our midfielders are lightweights BUT they certainly are fragile. Rival teams know that they can injure (and put out) at least 1 of our players in every game. This leads to a forced change in tactics/formation, which can make it difficult for us.

I wonder that maybe it would be a good idea for our players to wear gum shields and head guards (like they do in amateur boxing.
The players could also get taped up BEFORE they start each game. Heavy taping is often seen in athletics and also in tennis to add extra support to joints/tendons/muscles. It sounds like an extreme solution, but what can we do if our players are made of glass?

 

[The Stain]

Im not so sure Rafael and Shaw are really injured. Could be something LvG said to steer away from talking about how rubbish we look in the 352. Wouldnt be surprised if one or both play v Soton. Not that their performances have justified it, mind.

Assumptions here we go. LvG is playing 352 because he wants us to play out from the back and not being vulnerable to pressing. But it has shown to be the complete opposite. We are being dominated through the middle, yes i know we are missing players in the middle but i feel it wouldnt look great even with our starters in there. Ive been surprised that not more opponents press us high.

We just look more compact in the diamond, which would suit the match against Soton because they currently (Mane out etc) are stronger in the middle. With the lack of fullbacks wed play Blackett/Jones(Smalling) to have a Mourinho-esque defence (against strong opposition) with fullbacks not really contributing in attack.

Carrick to cover (Also Fellaini would be nice to have in this game) and 5 attacking players given freedom to make it happen. Just give Mata/Di Maria/Herrera instructions to pull their defenders out wide to open spaces for us to thread the ball into.

My 11 right now:

De Gea

Jones
Smalling
Rojo (McNair)
Blackett

Carrick

Herrera
Rooney (Fellaini)

Mata (Di Maria)

RvP
Falcao

 

[Sied]

Are Southampton still without their first choice full backs too?

This game could be won or lost out wide.

 

[DanNistelrooy]

Are Southampton still without their first choice full backs too?

This game could be won or lost out wide.

Betrand missed the Chelsea game as he is a Chelsea player but is back. Clyne also expected to be back. They will be at pretty much full strength with the exception of Mane who has looked very lively recently.

I hope we revert back to a back 4 :

De Gea

Rafael -- Jones -- Smalling -- Blackett

--------------Carrick --------------------

------Herrera ----------Mata ------------

--------------Rooney-----------------------

-----------RVP -- Falcao--------------------

Think he will ease Di Maria back but I would prefer him to start ahead of Falcao.


This will be a really tough game, they are extremely solid with a great back 4 and then Wanyama & Schnerderlin (who is their best player) making it essentially a back 6. We will do well to win this, reckon it will be 1-1.

 

[FacerTheRed]

De Gea

Rafael -- Jones -- Smalling -- Blackett

--------------Carrick --------------------

------Herrera ----------Mata ------------

--------------Rooney-----------------------

-----------RVP -- Falcao--------------------

First off, Rafael is out with a fractured cheek bone. So no way he'll play, along with Shaw with an ankle injury. So again they're without their natural full backs but also they could be without they're "wingbacks" (Valencia and Young) aswell, as they're injured too! unknown if they return fit for the game.

So its a dilemma really. So if Young and Valencia dont make it, then i can see Jones settle in right back position, Carrick moved back into centre back along with Smalling and then Blackett in left back. I'd rather have Carrick in centre back than Evans, the guy is liability, makes poor judgement, poor positioning, weak defensive. He's just a below average defender. Van Gaal has no choice but to play four at the back if his preferred wing backs are not available. Blind has been training but i doubt he'll be ready for a full 90 min game, so i can see LVG putting him on the bench but not a start for him. So Fletch has to move in midfield, had a complete mare against Yeovil but only midfielder who can play there. Would have Carrick there but need him in centre back more i reckon. Play 4-2-3-1, Fletcher and Rooney protecting that back four, the 3 amigos with there brilliant link up plays just behind Falcao as a lone striker. Really it comes down to Valenica and Young being both fit. if one of them are out then i cant see who else will move into that wing back position. Has to resort 4 at the back if none or 1 of them are fit.

my prediction:

----------------------DDG----------------------
JONES-----CARRICK----SMALLING-----BLACKETT
-----------FLETCHER------ROONEY-------------
--------HERRERA---MATA----DI MARIA----------
--------------------FALCAO--------------------

 

[DanNistelrooy]

First off, Rafael is out with a fractured cheek bone. So no way he'll play, along with Shaw with an ankle injury. So again they're without their natural full backs but also they could be without they're "wingbacks" (Valencia and Young) aswell, as they're injured too! unknown if they return fit for the game.

So its a dilemma really. So if Young and Valencia dont make it, then i can see Jones settle in right back position, Carrick moved back into centre back along with Smalling and then Blackett in left back. I'd rather have Carrick in centre back than Evans, the guy is liability, makes poor judgement, poor positioning, weak defensive. He's just a below average defender. Van Gaal has no choice but to play four at the back if his preferred wing backs are not available. Blind has been training but i doubt he'll be ready for a full 90 min game, so i can see LVG putting him on the bench but not a start for him. So Fletch has to move in midfield, had a complete mare against Yeovil but only midfielder who can play there. Would have Carrick there but need him in centre back more i reckon. Play 4-2-3-1, Fletcher and Rooney protecting that back four, the 3 amigos with there brilliant link up plays just behind Falcao as a lone striker. Really it comes down to Valenica and Young being both fit. if one of them are out then i cant see who else will move into that wing back position. Has to resort 4 at the back if none or 1 of them are fit.

my prediction:

----------------------DDG----------------------
JONES-----CARRICK----SMALLING-----BLACKETT
-----------FLETCHER------ROONEY-------------
--------HERRERA---MATA----DI MARIA----------
--------------------FALCAO--------------------

Rafael played on yesterday so I'm hoping he can play with one of those masks maybe?

Fletcher should be nowhere near the starting 11. Love the man but he is finished. A midfield of Rooney and Fletcher against Wanyama/Schneiderlin is never going to end well. Carrick has to play in midfield, regardless of how out of form Evans/McNair are.

Apart from that it looks like we agree on most of the lineup. I just fancy RVP to start ahead of Di Maria, LVG likes to ease players in

 

[Sean_RedDevil]

Shaw and Blind are likely in the squad according to Telegraph

 

[Papii Grande]

This is going to be a tough game. United seem fearless at home but Saints maybe our first real test since Chelsea as they are a team in form plus they have Morgan Schneiderlin back and he makes a big difference alongside Wanyama, they are a different threat altogether.

My side would be:
-------------DDG
--Rafa Smalling Evans Shaw
-----------Carrick
-----Di Maria -- Herrera
------------Mata
----- Rooney---Falcao

But I doubt RVP would get dropped.
Huge boost to have Di Maria and Herrera back.
Jones is ok cover for Rafa, if he doesnt make it.

 

[SalfordRed1960]

Being at home, I can see us attacking more than away. So, with injuries I would think something like this, unless he tries a youth RB and goes with Jones and Smalling as CB.

----------------------DDG----------------------
JONES-----SMALLING----ROJO-----BLACKETT
-------------------CARRICK------
--------HERRERA---ROONEY----DI MARIA----------
--------------------RVP ----FALCAO--------------------

 

[J-Stander]

Another liverpool-esque 3-0 win I reckon. They'll have their chances but I'm confident that we will put a few past them at home.

 

[Physiocrat]

It seems as though LVG refuses to play the diamond without two of Fellaini, Blind and Carrick in midfield. Now given our lack of wingbacks I can see LVG lining up 442 with the wingers hugging the touch lines to prevent Southampton's full backs bombing on.

-------------De Gea--------
Jones----Smalling-Evans--Blackett
Januzaj--Carrick--Herrera---Di Maria
---------Rooney---RVP/Falcao

Possible difference is Di Maria and Januzaj switching wings or Di Maria up front with Rooney wide, or Rooney on the flanks with a 10 and 9 from RVP, Falcao and Mata.

What I'd like to see:

Same Back 5

------Carrick------
Rooney------Di Maria-
------Herrera--------
RVP/Januzaj--Falcao

 

[2 man midfield]

Going to this, glad to see most of the team are fit.

 

[Offside]

This is going to be a tough game. United seem fearless at home but Saints maybe our first real test since Chelsea as they are a team in form plus they have Morgan Schneiderlin back and he makes a big difference alongside Wanyama, they are a different threat altogether.

My side would be:
-------------DDG
--Rafa Smalling Evans Shaw
-----------Carrick
-----Di Maria -- Herrera
------------Mata
----- Rooney---Falcao

But I doubt RVP would get dropped.
Huge boost to have Di Maria and Herrera back.
Jones is ok cover for Rafa, if he doesnt make it.

I'd go with that but no chance RVP will be dropped as you said. Bring him in for Mata.

 

[Browniee]

Big Dave
Valencia - Jones - Evans - Shaw
Carrick
Herrera - Di Maria
Rooney
Falcao - Van Persie​

We all know he won't, but let's try 4 at the back at home. RvP had a much needed rest. The squad has 7 days to rest and recoup after Yeovil. Be nice to see Blind back for this.
3-1 United(Rooney, RvP x2)

 

[Sensei]

Are they losing anyone to ACON?

Mane

 

[Longlivekeano]

----------P------
-H--I----L--O---
-S--O---P----H--
----------Y--------

 

[Sheikhy]

Im not reading Paul Merson's prediction for this one.

 

[2 man midfield]

If we've got the players for it, i'd like to see us play the diamond. If nothing else just to see whether it is a case of being too open, or if our early season goal leaking was just us adapting to new methods.

 

[2 man midfield]

----------P------
-H--I----L--O---
-S--O---P----H--
----------Y--------

H and L are sick notes, will never play the 90. Just hope P has a good game since Y looks like he can't hit a cows arse with a banjo right now.

 

[Crumpsall Red]

Another liverpool-esque 3-0 win I reckon. They'll have their chances but I'm confident that we will put a few past them at home.

Liverpool-esque?

 

[Crumpsall Red]

----------P------
-H--I----L--O---
-S--O---P----H--
----------Y--------

O is suspended

 

[Longlivekeano]

--------------De Gea--------------
Jones-Smalling-McNair-Blind
---------Carrick---Herrera-----
----Di Maria-Rooney-Mata--
---------------Falcao-------------
4-2-3-1
Win 2-0 (Mata, Di Maria)

 

[RikRuud]

Liverpool-esque?

Play to a similar style of fashion or standard in which we defeated Liverpool.

 

[ivaldo]

Will smash em, 3-0

 

[Chaky_Best]

Im not reading Paul Merson's prediction for this one.

He will predict a 1-1 saying that we're tired, we don't produce enough, then we'l win 3-1 and he'll eat his pants