Louis van Gaal will not be happy with his club’s recent performances in all competitions. Howeevr, Manchester United are on the 2nd place in the Barclays Premier League table and have a chance to open up a two point gap at the top of the table when they take on 1st placed Leicester City this weekend. United were not able to break the dead lock at the Old Trafford against PSV in the mid-week fixture as the club lacked any kind of spark up front. They did not create enough chances and did not take the few that fell their way. They looked solid in defense but will be tested against an inform Leicester side.
In this article, we will take a look at the line-up that will most probably be used by Van Gaal against Leicester City at the King Power stadium. The manger will miss the services of defender Phil Jones and midfielder Ander Herrera for this game. Luke Shaw, Valencia and Carrick are the other absentees for the Red Devils for this fixture. Van Gaal even after suffering these injuries has choices to make but will most probably stick to the team he used for the Champions League in the mid-week. United are expected to line-up against the Foxes in a 4-4-2 formation:
Goal Keeper:
David de Gea:
The Spanish shot-stopper has been one of the best players for the club this season. He reads the game really well and his positional sense is astute. He will surely start on Saturday on their quest to the top of the table.
Defense:
M Darmian:
The young wing back has been a solid presence at the back for United. He is very good defender as he gives no space for his opponents down the flank. He is also quick as he showed against PSV in the mid-week and is expected to start for United.
Chris Smalling:
The most assured player for the club this season, Smalling has grown in confidence game by game and is an important figure at the back in the center of the defense. He will have a crucial role to play against the likes of Jamie Vardy on Saturday.
D Blind:
The injuries to players have made Louis van Gaal call Daley Blind to play in the center back position in the last two games. The Dutch international has not been bad in these games and will retain his place in the squad.
M Rojo:
The Argentine has not really impressed his manger after his move but has the potential as he showed against Watford last week. He will also have a huge role to play for the Red Devils if they want to get a result out of this game.
Midfield:
B Schweinsteiger:
The Geran international has taken his time to settle into the new club but looked at home in his last few performances. His distribution and break up of play will be crucial for the Red Devils at the weekend.
M Schneiderlin:
Schneiderlin has been an impressive holding midfielder and played really well against PSV. His positional sense and attacking instincts will be largely helpful when they take on Leicester on Saturday.
Memphis Depay:
Depay looked lost before the international break but came back with a beautiful goal against Watford last weekend. He will have to be at his best if he wants his club to take all three points from the trip to Leicester.
Juan Mata:
Mata was rested for the Champions League fixture and will be raring to go against Leicester City. The Spaniard will play just behind the striker and will drift to the right at times where he has been effective so far this season.
Wayne Rooney:
The skipper of the club failed to impress in the last game and will have to prove his doubters wrong. He will have to put in a good performance in a strikers role beside Martial and will have to put pressure on their opponents.
Attack:
Anthony Martial:
Martial has been the brightest spark for United in front of goal this season. His quick feet and excellent eye for goal will be a troublesome factor for Leicester. A good performance from Martial will go a long way in earning a result from this game.
Alternative lineup
Van Gaal has also used different formations and might try and bring in Jesse Lingard or Fellaini to try and shake things up. He might be tempted to use the 4-2-3-1 formation with Martial as the lone striker.
De Gea; Darmian, Smalling, Blind, Rojo, Schneiderlin, Schweinsteiger, Depay, Fellaini, Martial, Rooney
This will be a very tough test for Untied and a victory in this game will help United reach the top of the Barclays Premier League table. Follow all the news about your favorite club on our website.
