Lakshay Khurana
Manchester United face Norwich City on Saturday away from home. Even though the aim of making it to top four has been hit badly with a draw against Leicester last weekend, Manchester United can still expect a slip from their local rivals while winning all three remaining league games. Louis van Gaal’s future is pretty much on the line with the team still struggling to perform up to their stature despite the fact that most of the injured players have already returned fit enough for the matchday pitch.
Meanwhile, Norwich City tussle for their place in Barclays Premier League next season. Alex Neil’s side is on the brink of being relegated back to the Football League Championship after freshly promoted to the Premier League. The Canaries are only two points away from getting out of the relegation zone with three games left in their campaign this term.
Team News:
Marouane Fellaini is suspended with violent conduct for a clash with Leicester City’s defender, Robert Huth.
Everyone except Luke Shaw and Bastian Schweinsteiger are available and fit to play.
Van Gaal could well stick with the same team that drew 1-1 with the league champions Leicester City.
Facts:
The Canaries have won just one of their last seven Premier League games at Carrow Road.
Norwich won against United at Old Trafford back in December.
Manchester United have won just two of their last 10 Premier League games.
Juan Mata has scored more Premier League goals against Norwich City than any other player – 4.
Norwich City have conceded eight penalty goals out of the nine penalties given away this season.
Tactics:
Manchester United has played some pretty decent games with the 4-1-4-1 formation and it’s the perfect time to deploy their attacks with maximum effort against a much weaker and out-of-form side. Manchester United can have their way easily against Norwich if they manage to score as many goals as they can. Norwich have the poorest strike force in the Premier League this season and Van Gaal’s men don’t need to put that many efforts at the back. Norwich’s joint top scorers in the Premier League have just five goals each (Dieumerci and Redmond). Alex Neil’s side have managed to score only 35 Premier League goals this season. The Red Devils must have their work rate higher up the pitch, to take away the easy three points.
Key Player:
Anthony Martial: The Frenchman has been in terrific form for United this term. Martial has repaid his manager Louis van Gaal’s faith in him by hitting 15 goals this campaign. He has scored many match winning goals and has been in a very impressive form recently. His goal against the Premier League champions last weekend was another one his top quality finish. He can break Norwich City’s defence certainly, given his form.
Follow Match:
Venue: Carrow Road
Live On: Star Sports 1 (India)
Kick Off: 12:45 BST (17:15 IST)
Referee: Craig Pawson
