Huh?Difficult XI to pick, Blind looks certain to play in midfield and I cant imagine a manager like LVG to play Fletcher at the back regardless of experience.
------------ De Gea
Rafael--McNair---Rojo--Shaw
--Herrera---Blind---Di Maria
------------ Mata
--------- RVP----Rooney
for me;
- Falcao or RVP, my preference is Falcao but he's supposedly the injured unfit one while RVP is fully fit
- Mata has to play.
- Back four is best way forward with the amount of injuries we have, a switch to back 3 is damaging enough without mentioning the lack of fully fit centre backs available.
I think we'll win this 3-1.
FA Premier League
Manchester United 2:1 West Ham United
Old Trafford
- Kick-off
- Sat, 27 September 2014 @ 3:00pm BST
- Status
-
Closed
-
In the latest episode of the United Hour Podcast, Nik and Imran hold a long overdue conversation about United's awful league form with 1 win in 7. They discuss a disappointing draw at Bournemouth, a not so disappointing draw against Liverpool and a crushing defeat at Chelsea - Is time nearly over for Erik Ten Hag?
Then in a special second half of the pod, Nik welcomes Natalie ( https://twitter.com/natalie_17) to discuss the fortunes of Manchester United Women as they booked a place in the FA Cup Final after a historic first ever win vs. Chelsea.
Discussion Live Updates 88 Your Lineup Prediction
-
- Status
------------ De Gea
Rafael--Thorpe---Rojo--Shaw
--Herrera---Blind---Di Maria
------------ Mata
------ Falcao----Rooney
This needs to be the team. RVP has offered nothing so far and Falcao deserves a proper go.
Mata is very important to us playing well and scoring goals, he has to play imo.
There's no way Falcao isn't starting tomorrow.Difficult XI to pick, Blind looks certain to play in midfield and I cant imagine a manager like LVG to play Fletcher at the back regardless of experience.
------------ De Gea
Rafael--McNair---Rojo--Shaw
--Herrera---Blind---Di Maria
------------ Mata
--------- RVP----Rooney
for me;
- Falcao or RVP, my preference is Falcao but he's supposedly the injured unfit one while RVP is fully fit
- Mata has to play.
- Back four is best way forward with the amount of injuries we have, a switch to back 3 is damaging enough without mentioning the lack of fully fit centre backs available.
I think we'll win this 3-1.
Much more chance we'll start with Rooney off VP/Falcao again, or Mata in for VP.
Long term 4 into 3 doesn't go though. Probably why we're starting to see a few Mata sold/swap rumours coming out in papers.
Just like when Mata/Luiz were apparently available a year ago. Only for Chelsea to vehemently deny it back then.----------De Gea----------
Rafa--Thorpe--Rojo--Shaw
-----------Blind------------
----Herrera----Di Maria----
----------Rooney-----------
--------RVP----Falcao------I'd drop Van Persie. Hasn't looked anywhere near his best this season and looks uninterested to me.
Rooney Falcao
Mata
Di Maria Blind Herrera
Shaw ????? ?????? Rafael
DDG
Please start like this.So are west ham gonna do the stick downing on Blind and noble on Rooney tactic?
If they do, we just get Di Maria to run them out of the game. Control the game and hold the ball, but keep attacks quick.I got a feeling he is going to play both McNair and Thorpe in central defence and leave Rojo at leftback.
Hope to god I'am wrong, really want to see Shaw on leftback, but I'am just not sure, for some reason I think LVG doesn't rate him.
I think we'll play like this:
-----------DDG-------------
Rafael--Thorpe--McNair---Rojo
------------Blind-------------
-----Herrera-----Di Maria----
-----------Rooney--------
------Falcao------RVP
But I hope we'll play like this:
-------------DDG-------------
Valencia--Thorpe--Rojo---Shaw
-------------Blind------------
-----Herrera------Di Maria----
------------Mata------------
------Falcao-----Rooney
He won't play two right-footed CBs so Rojo will play CB.I thought the most interesting thing LVG has said recently was:
"I don't like having too many left-sided defenders or left-footed players in defence," he told MUTV. "I think always of balance so [instead] I have to pick up a right-sided central defender from the youth education."
If it applies to left-footed players then I imagine it applies to right-footed too. So in the medium term that sounds to me like centre defence (when using a 4 man defence) will consist of one right-footed player (usually Jones/Evans/Smalling) and one left-footed player (usually Rojo/Blackett)Really gutted about Smalling's injury, as if he was fit we could have fielded what I think would end up being our strongest 11 (bar Phil Jones over Smalling himself which isn't an option for a little while yet). I heard Mata was injured as well though, is this true?
I'm not sure whether Thorpe or McNair will start, but you would have to imagine Thorpe is first in line with McNair as cover on the bench (that will be the way LvG is describing them both as being 'involved').
My ideal line-ups are probably:
de Gea
Rafael Thorpe Rojo Shaw
Blind
Herrera Di Maria
Mata
Falcao Rooney
de Gea
Rafael Thorpe Rojo Shaw
Herrera Blind
Januzaj Rooney Di Maria
Falcao
Latter is if Mata is injured. Bring on Fletcher for Januzaj/Mata in the second half to hopefully see the game out if we are leading.
Put 2-0 down for the prediction, but if West Ham can get at us then they will definitely fancy their chances of a goal. We need to keep possession better and stay on the front foot. Any win will do here though, but it has to be a win leading into the Everton game and international break. Despite our injury woes, there is no way we can drop points tomorrow. The saving grace is despite our injuries and average results, we've managed to stay very tight with all the teams we're expected to compete with this season. As long as we get some players fit and hit a bit of form, we'll be fine. Not having any doubts about finishing in the top four just yet. Early days.
Mata features in today's training pics, though they are typically taken at the beginning of the session and often seem to include players that don't participate in the full session, while regularly missing some players who did train.
Players photographed today (Getty Images) are: De Gea, Rafael, Valencia, Shaw, Rojo, Thorpe, McNair, Fletcher, Blind, Herrera, Pereira, Di Maria, Rooney, Mata, Falcao, RVP.Final Predicted Lineup:
__________________________________________________________
1. De Gea
2. Rafael 39. Thorpe 5. Rojo 3. Shaw
17. Blind
21. Herrera 7. Di Maria
10. Rooney
20. Van Persie 9. Falcao
____________________________________________________________
Bench: 13. Lindegaard, 31. Mc Nair, 25. Valencia, 24. Fletcher, 44. Pereira, 8. Mata, 11. Januzaj
Prediction: Man Utd 4-1 (Falcao X2, di Maria, Rooney)I feel it would be a draw. 2-2 seems maybe most logical right now. Hopefully we can win. Would love a 1-0 win and a cleen sheet that would boost us, but also not win too much so Van Gaal get carried away and think we are champions level.
We need two straight wins now before the break to not risk to totally fail this season as well. After that we have super tough period and in the 3 games after that we may not even take a points. City and Chelsea are tough and West Brom away are really tough battle since they are very physical.I'm not quite sure why so many people are sh!Tting themselves.
De Gea, Shaw, Rafael are quality, and Rojo though unproven at centre back for us, was holding his own for World cup finalists.
Midfield and up front looks pretty strong, so one "weak" player in the centre of defence shouldn't be the cause for too much alarm.
It's not like when we played Chelsea away last year without Rooney and VP, where even the most ardent fan was saying a narrow loss was the best we could handle!
I was much more optimistic for that game against Chelsea. Moyes got the tactic wrong, but the team right that game. We had lots of energy and power up front, but we gave Chelsea the chance to counter on us too much though and an effective Etoo while we couldn't fully break down them.
This is so much difference. We are playing West Ham and have been horrible so far. The fact that many don't think we should win this is worring sign following from our worst ever start to a season since I don't know.Feck it - we are going to smash West Ham 7-2 - I have had a feeling.Got a feeling this could be tight but there will definitely be goals. 3:2 to us. Falcao with all 3.
Yeah, but you can run on defender's backs on any league, especially in the counter. Look at what Montero did to us when we played Swansea... and 2 months ago he was running against Morelia.I'm pretty certain we are gonna lose this unless we stop playing Rooney RVP Falcao all three together. Playing three strikers is too offensive and expensive.
Playing Mata instead of one of the three doesn't make it any less so though.
And Rooney can do a better defensive job than Mata too
I'd actually go back to back-3, we need more protection at the back. I propose Carrick at the back like De Rossi used to do for Italy, Mascherano/Busquets does for Barca, Alonso does for Bayern.Well I like the approach by LVG for not commenting about the referees because I think he wants to show the players to man up, dig themselves out of trouble and for the referees not to feel so good that every freaking one of them would like to have a go at us every match.DeGea
Rafael Thorpe Rojo Shaw
Blind
Herrera diMaria
Mata
Rooney FalcaoAbsolutely dreading tomorrowAsk The Opposition
Ahead of tomorrow's game against West Ham United, we asked some West Ham fans on forum KUMB some questions. For the thread with all responses in, click here, but below is a sample of the thread, with the Hammers fans giving their verdict on Sam Allardyce and Ravel Morrison:
A lot was made in the media about how Allardyce outsmarted Rodgers in your win over Liverpool. What's the consensus among West Ham fans about Allardyce nowadays, and what's your personal opinion? (question suggested by Fener1907)
Lincolnhammer92: I guess the general consensus is that he's got this season to either earn a new contract or he'll be gone. Personally, I've always thought he was the right bloke, and hope he takes us into the OS. We'd be ruined without him.
Philosophical Dan: I was never in the "Allardyce Out" camp. It's debatable if he enforced it properly, but after years of hopeless defending at set-pieces, free kicks that did very little and throw ins that went straight to the opposition, his efforts to strenghten the basic areas were welcome. That he's modified our strategy so wildly this season, by comparison to last, took me by surprise, but other than the Southampton game, he's got his tactics pretty much spot on.
The Rebirth: I understand what Sam has done since he's been at West Ham he initially had a team which he knew could defend, the quality in the team last year was poor, now we have quality. I think it's a misconception that Allardyce cannot put out a footballing side or likes to play Football
gegsy: I've always supported Allardyce. I think he is a proper manager. Last season was tough but a lot of that was stuff out of his control. People forget Zola, Roeder, Grant. We made do, a lot.
claretnblueglasses: A few results across the last year or so have had me on the tip of really wanting him gone (I.e. The back to back cup exits against Forest and Man City) but I'm ultimately pleased we stuck with him in the end.
mywhufc: Personally I can't wait for the day he leaves, no matter how good the recent results, wrong man for this club from day 1 and has only helped divide the fans greater then any other manager can.
DaveWHU1964: Mate - we've been trying to come to a consensus for years. Not happening. Personally I think he's done as good a job as could possibly have been expected of him. Promotion. Staying up. And now looking capable of kicking on with a much better squad.
smarthammer: Clever bloke - disparaged because of his blunt west midlands demeanour, method and roundness that suggests he should of lived in water. Doesn't suffer fools but seems to have the footballing part sorted. Be good to see him spend proper money.
AnthraxDave: Sam was EXACTLY what we needed after the shambles of Avram Grant and relegation. Any of the sides looking for a new manager back in last November/December would have appointed him had he been available. I think we are lucky to have him. It is a long-term project, leading up to the move to the OS, and he fits the bill. A lesser man would have said "**** this, I'm off" at times in the past 12 months.
In the past decade, we have been far too choppy-changey with managers for my liking.
rare as rockinghorse shat: I've always liked the bloke. I wanted him here 6 months before he was appointed. I was championing his cause, how the evolution of his teams requires patience, that it gets bad before it gets a bit boring before it starts to get good. We saw his M.O at Bolton. They turned into a good footballing team, with some technically sound players after going through a lot of crap from people labeling them solely as long ball.
Blackburn didn't offer him the time to turn it round, nor did Newcastle. I'm delighted we did...Ask The Opposition
And here's the Ravel question and responses:
How do you feel about Ravel Morrison being a West Ham player (now out on loan again) with the baggage he brings? (question suggested by clarkydaz)
the wren: I think he'll be gone sooner rather than later. If Fergie and Sam can't handle him I don't know who can.
Philosophical Dan: Not a fan of the boy, but there's no doubt he's got some fabulous skill. I doubt he'll ever live up to the billing, and wouldn't be shocked if he ends up behind bars at some point in his life.
vietnammer: Dunno what to make of him tbh. He's piddling away the only opportunity he'll get in life and it's frustrating to see. Don't think he'll stay with us.
gegsy: He's talented, no doubt, but he's out on loan again which tells its own story. If he's convicted of hitting his girlfriend and her mum then that's about it for him I think.
mumbles87: After getting very excited over him I wouldnt mind if he left us. Dont need his attitude. We have Poyet who whilst isnt as flashy he has his head in the right place.
WHUJohn: He's a great footballer, no doubt about it. But unfortunately his life outside of the game seems obscenely unstable and that of course causes problems with his football. Haven't seen anything at all to suggest things are changing in his life outside of the football unfortunately lately and that will obvious see his career go backwards which is a real shame as he has bundles upon bundles of talent and is a lovely footballer.
Clucking Bell: Tricky one this. I think we'd all like to see him grow up and fulfill his potential as he's probably the most naturally skillful English player since Gascoigne. However, we all know how Gazza turned out and I can see this ending in tears too. As others have said, if Fergie and Sam can't sort him out, HMP will probably have to.
kitthehammer: He just isn't worth the hassle until he grows up, but sadly i don't think he's going to. A good player, but he thinks he's better than he actually is and sadly so do the media.
AnthraxDave: Unbelievably talented. But a complete headcase from what I can tell. If he had 1/4 of Mark Noble's attitude, he could be the best player in Europe. I see him, sadly, being dead before he hits 30.De Gea
Rafael Smalling Thorpe Rojo
Blind
Anderson Di Maria
Mata
Falcao Rooney
Anyone know what channel this game is being shown on?
that's about as good as we've got, but considering the defence we have i'd set us up like this.
De Gea
Rafael-- Thorpe-- Rojo-- Shaw
Herrera----Blind
Rooney-----Mata-----Di Maria
Falcao
Surely you didn't mean to out those two players in?
I think Smalling is nailed on to play, especially after LVG's comments saying he was fit and I believe Herrera is out isn't he? Doesn't leave us with much choice in the middle to be honest, unless he goes with Pereira which now I look at it, is probably what he will do
Van Gaal must be lurking the caf, he's been wumming the lineups game for weeks the swine, or in other words aint got a feckin clue who starts tomorrow ..Once again.
As far as i know Herrera is fine, and Smalling is injured.I think Smalling is nailed on to play, especially after LVG's comments saying he was fit and I believe Herrera is out isn't he? Doesn't leave us with much choice in the middle to be honest, unless he goes with Pereira which now I look at it, is probably what he will do
Can't see Anderson near the first team ever again tbh, Fletcher, and Pereira before him, and Carrick, and Fellaini back soon.i dont like the lineup or the formation, but maybe we will revert to 3 at the back?
-----------------Thorpe-----Rojo-----Blind----
------------Rafael-------------------------Shaw--------
----------------------Herrera-----Di Maria-------------
----------------------------Rooney--------------------
-----------------Falcao----------------RvP-----------
Pretty sure he said Smalling was unfit and as far as I know Herrera is fit to play.I think Smalling is nailed on to play, especially after LVG's comments saying he was fit and I believe Herrera is out isn't he? Doesn't leave us with much choice in the middle to be honest, unless he goes with Pereira which now I look at it, is probably what he will do
The midfield with Herrera to advanced and to the right was the main reason for the poor second half last week, we need to drop on of our strikers and play Blind and Herrera as central midfielders and Rooney will also have to contribute in midfield, especially to guard a lead.
Other than that, I'm not worried at all. Back to the midfield line up agasint QPR. Missed Mata's runs from midfield as well.
van Gaal confirmed to MUTV that Blind would not play centre-back tomorrow. Is Hererra injured?
No, dunno what that guys on about. Is Hererra injured?
Cheers. Herrera has done well so far so think I'm getting a bit paranoid with injuries.Hope Mata players and not Rooney in the hole.- Status
Man of the Match
Runners-up
-
21%
Ander Herrera
-
20%
Paddy McNair
-
3%
Wayne Rooney
-
2%
Marcos Rojo
-
2%
Angel Di Maria
-
2%
Luke Shaw
-
2%
Daley Blind
-
1%
Robin Van Persie
-
1%
David de Gea
-
1%
Radamel Falcao
Player Ratings
Total Average Rating
Highest Rated Player
Lowest Rated Player
Compiled from 499 ratings.
Score Predictions
650,120,80
- Man Utd win
- West Ham win
- Draw
Detailed Results
- 18% Man Utd 3:1 West Ham
- 11% Man Utd 3:2 West Ham
- 8% Man Utd 4:2 West Ham
- 7% Man Utd 3:0 West Ham
- 6% Man Utd 2:0 West Ham
- 5% Man Utd 2:1 West Ham
- 5% Man Utd 4:1 West Ham
- 4% Man Utd 5:0 West Ham
- 4% Man Utd 2:2 West Ham
- 4% Man Utd 4:0 West Ham
- 4% Man Utd 0:5 West Ham
- 3% Man Utd 1:2 West Ham
- 2% Man Utd 0:0 West Ham
- 2% Man Utd 2:3 West Ham
- 2% Man Utd 5:1 West Ham
- 1% Man Utd 3:3 West Ham
- 1% Man Utd 1:0 West Ham
- 1% Man Utd 1:3 West Ham
- 1% Man Utd 1:1 West Ham
- 1% Man Utd 4:3 West Ham
- 1% Man Utd 5:4 West Ham
- 1% Man Utd 5:3 West Ham
- 1% Man Utd 5:5 West Ham
- 1% Man Utd 5:2 West Ham
- 1% Man Utd 0:1 West Ham
- 1% Man Utd 2:4 West Ham
- 1% Man Utd 4:5 West Ham
- 0% Man Utd 1:4 West Ham
- 0% Man Utd 3:5 West Ham
- 0% Man Utd 2:5 West Ham
- 0% Man Utd 1:5 West Ham
- 0% Man Utd 0:2 West Ham
- 0% Man Utd 3:4 West Ham
- 0% Man Utd 0:4 West Ham
- 0% Man Utd 4:4 West Ham
Match Stats
- Man Utd
- West Ham
- Possession
- 57% 43%
- Shots
- 8 13
- Shots on Target
- 3 4
- Corners
- 7 10
- Fouls
- 10 12
Referee
Lee Mason
Man Utd Lineup
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
replaced by Tom Thorpe
-
replaced by Antonio Valencia
-
replaced by Darren Fletcher
-
-
