Lakshay Khurana
After 3 successive wins, Manchester United go marching on on on to Wembley to play against Everton in the FA Cup Semi-final on Saturday. The two clubs are no stranger to each other and the clash is expected to be massive given how badly both the clubs are eager for silverware.
As for the Red Devils, given their standard and name for winning tons of titles, it is their only chance to win a tournament this season. United has worked hard to get into the semi-finals of the FA Cup- something the fans didn’t expect.
Louis van Gaal’s side is confident after three successive wins in just one week and might think that a win at Wembley is up for grabs. The same cannot be said for Roberto Martinez’s side after they lost 4-0 to Liverpool in the latest Merseyside derby.
Here’s how we think United will line-up on Saturday:
Formation: 4-1-4-1
Goalkeeper: David De Gea
An obvious choice to start in the goal after being named in the PFA Team of the Year for the third time.
Defenders: Antonio Valencia, Chris Smalling, Dailey Blind, Matteo Darmian
Van Gaal will be expected to put the same defensive line on the pitch as he did against Crystal Palace on Wednesday, as it worked out pretty well.
Matteo Darmian has had his probably the best game for United. Creating the first goal and scoring the other one, and also being solid at the defence against the Eagles, the Italian should be starting in the FA Cup semi-final.
Antonio Valencia is doing well at right-back and can improve further if played often.
Smalling and Blind, as usual, take their place as the centre-backs with their chemistry and individual role going well enough.
Midfielders: Morgan Schneiderlin, Juan Mata, Anthony Martial, Marouane Fellaini, Wayne Rooney
Morgan Schneiderlin will take his place as usual at the defensive midfield. The Frenchman has been consistent in his performance. His work rate for defense and attack is very high and mostly goes unnoticed with other incidents making it into the spotlight more than often.
Marouane Fellaini might be replacing Jesse Lingard for the semi-finals, as Lingard struggled to do well against Crystal Palace in terms of scoring goals which should’ve been scored and losing composure early in the second half.
Juan Mata was the man behind the continuous attacks against Alan Pardew’s side. His passing and movement made it all happen and will surely be set to start against Everton. Maybe as a winger if Fellaini starts.
Forward: Marcus Rashford
The youngster missed a chance to net the ball against the Glaziers on Wednesday but gave an intimidating performance as he remained immensely active in the attacks with his quick passes and dribbles, forcing defenders to lose their mark. He was substituted in the second-half but will surely be the best option to start at the striker position on Saturday.
Substitutes:
Sergio Romero
Ashley Young
Memphis Depay
Michael Carrick
Timothy Fosu-Mensah
Jesse Lingard
Ander Herrera
