3 ways Manchester United can lineup against Crystal Palace | Premier League 2018-19

Manchester United yet again find themselves in a spot of bother after injuries to key players in the midfield in their last match against Liverpool at Old Trafford in the last weekend. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has a very big decision to make with almost nine first team players out injured for the Red Devils.

The United midfield will be without the presence of Ander Herrera and Nemanja Matic, with the former injuring his hamstring against Liverpool, while the latter having a muscle injury in training.

The defence will be without Phil Jones, who is out with illness, and club captain Antonio Valencia, with the captain out yet again due to a calf injury. Matteo Darmain and Marcos Rojo are back in training but is not expected to start against Crystal Palace today.

The attacking department too is a bit stretched, with Marcus Rashford likely to be rested after injuring his ankle and playing with a knock against Liverpool. Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial are also out, with the former out with a hamstring injury while the latter still recovering from his groin injury. Juan Mata who was another victim in that incredible first half against Liverpool that saw 4 injuries. The Spaniard is also out with a hamstring injury.

With all these injuries in the squad, let's take a look a three possible ways Manchester United is expected to line-up under the Norwegian.

---

#1 - 4-2-3-1

4-2-3-1 was one of the formations Solskjaer used during his time with Molde

With almost all his first choice attacking players ruled out, Solskjaer might be tempted into changing a formation a bit to accommodate his fit players. The Norwegian used a 4-2-3-1 formation during his time with Molde and might be enticed to doing the same against the Eagles.

Paul Pogba and has been the main man for Solskjaer and he is expected to be running the show once again in the heart of the pitch. David de Gea will be another sure starter on the team sheet.

After a commanding performance against Liverpool in the weekend, Solskjaer is expected to start with the same lineup with Smalling and Lindelof at the heart of the defence, with Luke Shaw as the left back. The right-back position might see a change with Diogo Dalot replacing Ashley Young if Solskjaer feels the veteran is a bit off today.

The two central midfielder spots in the formation are likely to be filled up by Scott McTominay and Andreas Pereira, after their commanding performances against Liverpool. The Scotland international was so impressive that Solskjaer called him his Darren Fletcher, a player who was normally used by Sir Alex Ferguson on the big occasions.

Brazilian star Fred may also feature in place of compatriot Andreas Pereira, if Solskjaer decides to play Pereira on the right wing - a position he played during his time in Valencia.

The left wing is going to be occupied by Alexis Sanchez, while the strikers position will be filled by Romelu Lukaku, after the Norwegian confirmed that the duo will be starting.

#2 - 4-3-3

4-3-3 has been one of the formations that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has used more frequently.

Injuries to Ander Herrera and Nemanja Matic have seen Solskjaer losing two of his three key midfielders to injury and being forced to adjust his midfield combination in a very short time span. This injury though can be a blessing in disguise for the others who are looking to impress the Norwegian.

Fred can finally live up to his billing after United purchased the Brazilian to unlock Paul Pogba at the start of the season. The Brazilian is expected to be joined by Scott McTominay after the United youth product impressed everyone with his display against Liverpool in the weekend.

Spanish custodian David de Gea will once again be in goal, with Victor Lindelof pairing with Chris Smalling at the heart of the United defence. The left-back position is sure to be filled by Luke Shaw, while the right-back position is going to be filled by Ashley Young. If the veteran is feeling a bit not up to it, Solskjaer can call upon Diogo Dalot in place of him.

The midfield will be occupied by Scott McTominay and Fred with Paul Pogba at the heart of the midfield.

The attacking trio in the formation is sure to be filled by Alexis Sanchez on the left and Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku down the channel. The right half of the midfield is the problem for United.

With the teenager Tahith Chong called up to the first team, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer might be tempted into giving the Dutch national his first start in the Premier League. But, Andreas Pereira is likely to be given the nod ahead of the youngster.

#3 - 4-4-2 (Diamond)

4-4-2 (diamond) has been used often in very big matches by Solskjaer

The 4-1-2-1-2 or the 4-4-2 diamond has been one of the key formations that have been used by Ole Gunnar Solksjaer this season. The Norwegian has used this formation to very good effect and defeated Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea with the help of it.

Once again it will be the ever-present Spain No.1 David de Gea, who will be starting in the goal, behind the center back partnership of Chris Smalling and Victor Lindelof. Their performance against Liverpool in the weekend is sure to see them keeping their places for the near future.

Luke Shaw and Ashley Young are sure starters on the left and right flanks of the defensive lineup after showcasing an impressive performance that kept the feared attacking trio of Liverpool very quiet.

The absence of Nemanja Matic is likely to result in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in using Scott McTominay in place of the injured Serbian to occupy the base of the diamond in the heart of the midfield.

The top end of the diamond will be a slight problem for Solskjaer due to the absence of Jesse Lingard in that position. Angel Gomes looks a likely candidate to fill the role of Lingard, owing to his movement, positioning and fearless approach.

The left side of the diamond is likely to be filled by Paul Pogba as Solskjaer uses the Frenchman to very good effect in that specific position whenever United plays a 4-4-2 diamond.

With Marcus Rashford out, Solskjaer is sure to use the big Belgian Romelu Lukaku and Chile international Alexis Sanchez to lead the attack today.