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With both teams suffering mid-week European defeats, albeit in different magnitudes – Chelsea still have a further leg to set things right – the attention will be on the FA Cup. After European disappointment, the dream of the treble is gone but United will be looking to bounce back and with the Premier League looking more and more like it is in the bag, Sir Alex’s focus will be on the FA Cup.
Will all the fracas surrounding Rooney and his axing from the starting line-up against Real, Sir Alex has moved to ensure that he will be involved from the start. It is also expected that last week’s hat-trick hero, Shinji Kagawa, will start. With Rio and Vidic playing in mid-week, it is hard to see the pair of them partnering each other in the center of defence again today. It will most likely be Jonny Evans partnering Vidic or even Smalling at the center. Rafael and Evra are expected to start on the flanks, with David De Gea continuing in goal.
It will be an interesting proposition in midfield. Ryan Giggs will almost certainly not be involved after a tireless performance in mid-week. Nani might well be given the nod as a sign of confidence. Ashley Young could be handed a start as well. There is always the real possibility of Valencia being handed a starting role simply for his work ethic down the right. In the center, Carrick might start, as he has done for most of the season, but Sir Alex might decide to go with a bend of youth and experience with a combination of Scholes and Anderson. Scholes will quarterback, as he is so used to doing these days and Anderson might just be given the license to play a more free role. It could be Kagawa in place of Anderson as well.
Up top, it is almost certain that Rooney will start but who will partner him will be an interesting choice. Robin van Persie has been involved almost non-stop for United and might be given a day off, atleast from the starting line-up. He can always be called on from the bench if need be. Hernandez looks like he might be given the nod given his decent record against Chelsea and his pace running in behind the Chelsea back line.
The United Starting line up: De Gea, Rafael, Evans, Vidic, Evra, Young, Scholes, Kagawa, Nani, Rooney, Hernandez
What is your take?
