Greenwood And McTominay To Start, Martial And Matic Out: Manchester United’s Predicted XI To Face Liverpool

David Tully

3 years ago

Categories: Galleries, Manchester United News, Match Previews

Tags: Anthony Martial, Liverpool, Manchester United, Mason Greenwood

Following the 1-0 win over Burnley on Tuesday night, Manchester United will go into their top of the table clash against Liverpool this weekend high in confidence.

Their excellent away form means that, despite knowing their opponents haven’t lost a league game at Anfield for three years and nine months, they will have a chance of securing the three points on Sunday.

Unfortunately, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer does have fitness doubts over the likes of Nemanja Matic, Anthony Martial and Victor Lindelof for this game so that has influenced our predicted lineup.

Press the next page as we go through the starting eleven that we think will face Liverpool.

GK – David De Gea

The Spaniard will probably have more shots to contend with at Anfield than he did at Turf Moor where he had very little to do throughout the 90 minutes.

De Gea usually steps up in big matches and United will be hoping that he makes the crucial saves when called upon this weekend.

RB – Aaron Wan-Bissaka

The 23-year-old will likely relish the one-on-one battle with Sadio Mane, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he comes out on top of that exchange, considering he is an excellent tackler.

However, Wan-Bissaka’s positional play is a concern and if Trent Alexander-Arnold does deliver some precise crosses from the right flank, there is a worry that he could be caught out as he has been in recent matches.

CB – Eric Bailly

Lindelof’s back injury means Bailly could well be given another chance to start in the centre of defence, and many fans would now probably favour the Ivorian as first-choice alongside Maguire.

The 26-year-old’s all-action style does get him into trouble at times but if you need someone to put in a tackle or make a flying block, then he is certainly the one to turn to.

CB – Harry Maguire

Although there are still some concerns about his lack of pace, the captain has looked strong and authoritative in recent games. It does seem as though his early-season form problems are well behind him now.

Maguire has struck up an excellent partnership with Bailly and Solskjaer would be wise to keep them together at Anfield.

LB – Luke Shaw

The 25-year-old has really stepped things up since the arrival of Alex Telles and there are no doubts that he deserves to be ahead of the Brazilian in the pecking order at the moment.

Shaw has also been able to keep Mo Salah quiet in the past, and that defensive nous will surely lead to him being given the nod to start on Sunday.

CM – Scott McTominay

Nemanja Matic was excellent against Burnley but after picking up what looked like a groin problem in the closing stages of the game at Turf Moor, he may not be available to start this weekend.

McTominay showed in the FA Cup win over Watford what he is all about so Solskjaer shouldn’t have any qualms about starting the Scotland international.

CM – Paul Pogba

The Frenchman is coming into form at exactly the right time. He was deservedly named man of the match on Tuesday and he will be integral if United are to get a result at Anfield.

With Bruno Fernandes’s form having dropped slightly, Solskjaer will be delighted that Pogba is taking some of the weight off his teammate’s shoulders.

AM – Bruno Fernandes

It wasn’t his best game at Turf Moor but the Portuguese international is one of those players who can score a goal or create an assist even if he isn’t consistently performing throughout the 90 minutes.

If United are to win against Liverpool, though, you have to think that Fernandes will be at the centre of things, pulling the strings in the middle of the park.

RW – Mason Greenwood

A reshuffle of the front three is likely to be necessary if Anthony Martial is not available. Some reports suggest that the Frenchman could be fit but Solskjaer may have to consider alternatives.

Greenwood would be the logical choice, as it would allow Marcus Rashford to move back to his favoured position on the left-wing.

CF – Edinson Cavani

Due to Liverpool’s centre-back crisis, the Uruguayan international is likely to be licking his lips at the prospect of attacking a rather makeshift defence.

Cavani is a smart, streetwise striker, and he’ll take advantage of any vulnerabilities he sees in the Reds’ backline.

LW – Marcus Rashford

The England international has a remarkable record on the road in the Premier League this season, having at least scored or assisted a goal in every match away from home.

Rashford’s pace and skill will be absolutely vital if United opt to play on the counter-attack on Sunday.