Manchester United crashed out of the Capital One Cup in an
absolutely horrible penalty shootout against Sunderland on Wednesday. With very
little to play for this season, United now face Cardiff in a match that could
be up for grabs. Given the way Uniteds season is shaping up this now becomes a
must win for them if they want to stay in the distant chase for a fourth place
finish.
Cardiff beat Bolton away 1-0 in their weekend FA Cup match
in what was a much needed win for a team struggling for confidence. They are
currently bottom of the table in 20th place having a 4-6-12 record to give them
18 points. Their weakness in being able to score goals this season, and they
have scored second fewest goals in the league with just 17.
What to expect
Their previous meeting in the league back in November when
United conceded in the final minute to draw 2-2 at Cardiff. This season Old
Trafford has not been the fortress of the past and Uniteds defense has leaked
goals with just one clean sheet in their last six matches in all competitions.
United have won just the twice in 2014 in all competitions,
but the big money acquisition of Juan Mata over the weekend will have buoyed the
team. A win over an underperforming Cardiff side will go a long way improving
the confidence in the side.
Cardiff have not won any of their last 8 league games away
from home, having lost 6, and have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 6
league games, having conceded 16 in the process.
New signing Juan Mata is expected to make his debut against
Cardiff, but manager David Moyes will be without the injured Nani, while
Michael Carrick and Rio Ferdinand are doubts and will be assessed close to kick
off and Nemanja Vidic is suspended.
Cardiff will be without the injured Andrew Taylor, but they
do not face any further concerns ahead of the trip to Old Trafford. Magnus
Wolff Eikrem, who made his first start for the club in the FA Cup win over
Bolton this weekend, is expected to drop to the bench for the trip to Old
Trafford. Cardiff manager and former United player Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could
name an unchanged XI from the side that lost 4-2 to Manchester City last time
out.
Match Prediction
Despite Manchester Uniteds poor run
of form this year, the Red Devils are expected to secure maximum points against
a Cardiff side struggling for goals.
Manchester United 2-0
Cardiff City
