[minoo-utd]

It's not only about bad luck though. United are the only top team that used star players in all games in the league cup. There wasn't enough rotation earlier in the season, especially from November to March.

Still, we have a chance vs City. Similarly to us, they haven't been convncing in their home games, especially in the league. Now, with Zlatan, Pogba, Mata and Rojo out, the pressure on them to win the game will be much bigger.

IMO the pressure is pretty much equal, we need the win as much as they do and us losing 4 big stars going into a game like this will do us no favor I reckon.

 

[ti vu]

IMO the pressure is pretty much equal, we need the win as much as they do and us losing 4 big stars going into a game like this will do us no favor I reckon.

We don't need to win. A draw is still see us mathematically make top 4 (above L'pool with the game in hand). We're perfect to play a counter play game. City may not need to play for the win neither, but Pep never builds a style that can see out the game. Theoretically possession football can be used as defensive tactic, but his teams is so erroneous passing from deep position as well their GK concede goal so easy from shot, they got their hands tight to go for attacking.

 

[Adisa]

Was quite confident a couple of days ago. Now, I'm bricking it. Evry single player needs to play very well.

 

[Random Task]

Feeling confident for this one. I think we'll win it 0-1 (Rashford)

Herrera and Fellaini working their socks off and breaking up play will prove to be the defining factor in our victory. After this win there will be no stopping us, can see us going unbeaten for the remainder of the season.

 

[VanGaalEra]

Gone with Bailly/Blind/Darmian as CB with Young and Valencia as WB's.

Herrera and Fellaini in MF

Mkhitaryan just in front with Jesse and Marcus up front.

 

[Trizy]

Can't see us winning but not really bothered. Should just focus completely on the Europa league.

Mind you if Pogba and Rojo were playing I'd put us down to win.

 

[AN17]

Keep the defensive shape and press them well as a unit, like we did against Chelsea. Yes, Pogba will be a huge miss, but they themselves got Sliva out, plus some tired legs in the centre. If we are mentally up for it, I can see us winning. Tactics needs to be spot on.

 

[Northstand]

The silver lining is that they're just as depleted as we are. Still KDB, Aguero and Sane are dangerous.

Seriously? Apart from Gundogan, who is missing? Only Silva is doubtful as far as I know?

 

[Giant Midget]

Don't think it's going to be 3-5-2. For one, City don't play with 2 inside forwards, but with a lot of width.

It's more important to pack the center of midfield and have proper fullbacks because of the passes inside they like to play from the wing.

DDG

Valencia Bailly Blind Shaw

Herrera Carrick Fellaini

Mkhitariyan Rashford Lingard

 

[Infra-red]

We need a proper backs-to-the-wall Mourinho special if we're to get anything here. We'll have very little of the ball and are missing our top 2 Premier League scorers and top 3 creators.

Just need to grind it out somehow. A draw would be a good result.

 

[soapythecat]

Jose playing down importance of the match and top 4 - he knows the squad is tired and not full strength. I think we will get beat 2-1 tonight. Hope I'm wrong and we can get at least a point.

 

[jderbyshire]

De Gea
Valencia Bailly Blind Young
Lingard Herrera Carrick Fellaini Rooney
Rashford​

Rooney's last Manchester derby?

 

[ZAGREB RED]

All hands to the pump tonight, it's the kind of situation where the players just really need to pull together and get the job done. Draw wouldn't be the worst result, but if United can keep it tight at the back Rashford should cause their back 4 problems with his pace and running power.

 

[2 man midfield]

--------------DDG----------
Valencia-Bailly-Blind-Shaw
------------Carrick---------
------Fellaini----Herrera---
Lingard----Rooney--Rashford

 

[11101]

I'm not as negative as some on this game. Our injuries make it impossible for Pep to predict our gameplan, and Mourinho is likely to pack the team with workhorses.

 

[gica_7]

Despite his history with strong midfields, Guardiola's City has been below the average. I would actually love to see a diamond here. The squad is also available.

--------------DDG----------
Valencia-Bailly-Blind-Shaw
------------Carrick---------
------Fellaini----Herrera---
------------Mikhitaryan----
----Rashford-----Martial---

With Martial, Mikhitaryan and Rashford switching positions, it would be an interesting lineup to watch. I don't see Jose doing this, but just wish he would use this shape. Fellaini is playing really well recently but I would love to see Lingard as a CM option in this diamond shape also.

 

[Adebesi]

I predict a draw in this but it isnt a great result for us at all, it leaves us too much to do against Spurs and Arsenal, or relying on others to drop points. Which they will - but so will we. We need to be going for a win here IMO.

 

[Infra-red]

Despite his history with strong midfields, Guardiola's City has been below the average. I would actually love to see a diamond here. The squad is also available.

--------------DDG----------
Valencia-Bailly-Blind-Shaw
------------Carrick---------
------Fellaini----Herrera---
------------Mikhitaryan----
----Rashford-----Martial---

With Martial, Mikhitaryan and Rashford switching positions, it would be an interesting lineup to watch. I don't see Jose doing this, but just wish he would use this shape. Fellaini is playing really well recently but I would love to see Lingard as a CM option in this diamond shape also.

Guardiola's sides always play with plenty of width. A diamond midfield would leave our fullbacks horribly exposed.

 

[Summit]

--------------DDG----------
Valencia-Bailly-Blind-Shaw
------------Carrick---------
------Fellaini----Herrera---
Lingard----Rooney--Rashford

Is that the team you want, or a team you think he'll play?

 

[Yagami]

Been a rainy morning here in Manchester. I hope it's raining for the game tonight.

 

[Adisa]

Been a rainy morning here in Manchester. I hope it's raining for the game tonight.

Why?
How will the rain favour us?

 

[AXVnee7]

Such a huge game for both sides! The wait is on a day like this is always agonising!

 

[top1whoisman]

Why?
How will the rain favour us?

"The f*cking rags paid for the crap weather so that Pep can't play the world's bestest tiki taka..."

 

[Paxi]

First United game ever for me tonight and I'm sitting with City fans. Feck my life.

 

[SirFergie]

De Gea

Valencia
Bailly
Blind
Darmian
Young

Herrera
Carrick
Fellaini

Rashford
Martial

 

[Nickosaur]

First United game ever for me tonight and I'm sitting with City fans. Feck my life.

Jeez, that's rough. Try to contain yourself when Rashford scores the winner

 

[Paxi]

Is Pogba definitely out?

 

[SSSSnake]

Jose is only playing down the game because he doesn't want to add pressure on the players. There's no doubting this is our biggest game of the season so far. The lads will be up for it. I'm going 2-1 United. We'll press and Rashford will score.

 

[Paxi]

Jeez, that's rough. Try to contain yourself when Rashford scores the winner

Feck I'll gladly take a few if it meant 3 points!

 

[Jaap]

It was more of a 4-4-2, really.

Yeah, could say that.

 

[Pexbo]

Is Pogba definitely out?

Yes

 

[Classical Mechanic]

Can't wait for Rashy, Mikey and Tony to trash Pep's dopey high line. This could be a rout!

 

[Irrational.]

Missing the game today due to work commitments. Absolutely gutted.

With the amount of injuries and Pogba now missing, I'd be happy with a point. Would be absolutely ecstatic with all three, but I don't think our record at the Etihad is that good (correct me if I'm wrong).

We have to treat each one of our remaining games as a final now, even moreso the games against Arsenal and Spurs.

Good luck to my RedCafe compatriots.

 

[togg]

I have absolutely no idea how this one will turn out, not an inkling...think it's really hard to call since we are both pretty much the same. Generally we have been better away from home, but since this is in Manchester it feels like a different type of 'away' game....so who knows...

 

[Jaap]

Even if we do lose, it'll be important not to lose by a big margin - have the feeling that the goal difference will be vital at the end of the season.

 

[Lowkey]

Going to need a Jose masterclass here to stand any chance. I dont feel confident with the amount of injuries to key players we have. Blind at the back also worries me with his lack of pace. Maybe 3 at the back today? Fellaini playing in this team also worries me as this sort of game does not suit him and makes him look clumsy.

Anyways, not feeling confident but if we beat them, would be a massive result. I would definitely take a draw too. No injuries please

 

[flappyjay]

Gone with Bailly/Blind/Darmian as CB with Young and Valencia as WB's.

Herrera and Fellaini in MF

Mkhitaryan just in front with Jesse and Marcus up front.

Same for me except I went with Martial instead of Jesse. I think Mourinho might go for Jesse's work rate, I am hoping Martial performance against Burnley was enough to give him the nod

 

[ants7]

Can't wait for Rashy, Mikey and Tony to trash Pep's dopey high line. This could be a rout!

That's the spirit!

Can see a draw at best, myself.

 

[Yagami]

Why?
How will the rain favour us?

I just enjoy playing/watching football in the rain.

 

[SirAF]

Despite his history with strong midfields, Guardiola's City has been below the average. I would actually love to see a diamond here. The squad is also available.

--------------DDG----------
Valencia-Bailly-Blind-Shaw
------------Carrick---------
------Fellaini----Herrera---
------------Mikhitaryan----
----Rashford-----Martial---

With Martial, Mikhitaryan and Rashford switching positions, it would be an interesting lineup to watch. I don't see Jose doing this, but just wish he would use this shape. Fellaini is playing really well recently but I would love to see Lingard as a CM option in this diamond shape also.

Not sure about the formation, but I think that's most likely the team he'll pick. Perhaps Lingard will start instead of one of them?