Manchester United vs Sheffield United (FA Cup): Preview
A Cup Tie between the two most inconsistent teams of their respective teams would seem like a big affair, but one doubts if the game will be that good. Man United currently sit in a disappointing fifth place in the Premier League and nine points off of league leaders Arsenal, whilst Sheffield United are underachieving once again and are sat in eighth in the League One table. The Blades, however, have made a name for themselves as prolific giant killers, as they managed to make it to the FA Cup semi-finals in 2014 and the League Cup semi-finals in 2015 by taking a number of scalps along the way. They will certainly be hoping that they can add to that list today at Old Trafford when the tie for the FA Cup 3rd round kicks off.
“I can’t wait,” Nigel Adkins, the Sheffield boss said. “The Theatre of Dreams, the third round of the FA Cup, Manchester United v Sheffield United – it’s all to play for.”There’s three results on offer, two of them we will be happy with. You look at them and they’re fifth in the Premier League and we’re eighth in League One. There’s a gulf, right?”But it’s the FA Cup, it’s the beauty of it, the drama of it and who knows? On any given day it has been proved that someone can win and why can’t it be us?”
TEAM NEWS
“A lot of players are in the red zone,” said Van Gaal, the United manager. “Young was back in training this week. He is not injured, he is overloaded and in the red zone.” More players are in the red zone and we have to decide if they can play against Sheffield United or not. Adnan Januzaj, who was recalled from his loan at Borussia Dortmund on Thursday, is not fit enough to play.Antonio Valencia (foot), Luke Shaw (leg), Marcos Rojo (shoulder) and Phil Jones (ankle) are out while Ashley Young is likely to be rested. Jesse Lingard, who had been out since December, might make it to the starting line up.
On the other hand, Matt Done could return for Sheffield United after a hamstring injury.
STAT ATTACK
* The Blades faced United in three successive seasons in the cup between 1993 and 1995, beating their opponents in the first of these duels before bowing out in third round ties in each of the following campaigns.
* Manchester United have lost once in 36 FA Cup ties against lower-ranked sides – against Leeds United at Old Trafford in the third round in January 2010.
* Three of the last five games at Old Trafford have finished all square.
* There have been three goalless draws in Manchester United’s last five at home, whilst Sheffield United haven’t scored more than one goal in an away game since September.
PREDICTION:
Don’t really see a lot of goals in this one, a 2-1 win to United maybe.
Strongest Possible Manchester United XI vs Sheffield United
