David De Gea – When he’s nominated for the PFA Player of the Year, you know he’s a keeper! His importance in this one cannot be spoken of highly enough, despite it being Loic Remy as opposed to Diego Costa having David De Gea busy on Saturday afternoon. A range of other attacking options for Mourinho such as rival contender Eden Hazard will ensure our shot-stopper is on his toes and if anyone can frustrate Chelsea in front of goal, it’s this man.
Antonio Valencia – An admirable adaptability with the winger making the switch from wing to flank, Valencia looks to plug this gap that’s raised the alarm quite frequently this season. He was even second placed in a list that showed the players completing the most interceptions within the English top flight last weekend; on par with a couple of others, the 29-year-old successfully prevented six attempted passes from reaching their man. However, he hasn’t missed out on swooping for top spot in the rankings of players completing passes this season. He can go either way!
Marcos Rojo – Should be the Red Devil’s first choice central defender come the weekend, having had a solid season so far and perhaps being Louis van Gaal’s leading man at the heart of the backline. With all of these forward thinking options, the squad could use a rock somewhat to allow our goalie to sit back for once (as much as we enjoy seeing his super saves, we’d rather our nerves weren’t as battered to bits by then). The fans certainly reflect this view as our gaffer left us questioning why on earth Rojo was kept from the starting XI at Old Trafford in the Manchester derby.
Chris Smalling – His name on the score sheet last time out, we wouldn’t want our England International discarded to the bench with a spring in his step. This momentum could give Smalling that confidence boost he needs to prove his spectators wrong and as much as we wouldn’t like to see him go, perhaps the centre-half will put in a shift in this close season to entice Arsenal to part with some of their bank balance in order to take him to the Emirates. On the other hand, he could be out to prove his current boss that should Hummels make his way to the Manchester outfit, he will have to wait his turn with himself in unstoppable form.
Daley Blind – It would be still unthinkable to hold Daley Blind in the dugout but with teammate Michael Carrick fast becoming one of Manchester United’s most praiseworthy performers this season, the Dutchman’s first choice role is occupied. Not to fear though, as Luke Shaw’s injury had created another opening for the defensive midfielder, and how he’s seamlessly slotted into it.
Ander Herrera – The midfielder will surely start at Stamford Bridge with his form also worth the wait. His ability to find space will be essential in unlocking and opening up a tight Chelsea side. He’s full of energy having only donned the jersey at the halfway mark this term and raring to go. Additionally, with the visitors setting their stall out for all of the spoils, Herrera will be heavily relied upon to provide the forwards whilst perhaps nicking one himself.
Michael Carrick – As mentioned, Carrick’s return from a niggle has not coincidentally seen his sides form pick up significantly. A sitter, Carrick’s call-up to wear his countries colours has also helped to promote a man who was once an unsung hero. He provides a balance in youth and experience, at now 34-years-of-age, the midfield magician is showing us it’s never too late to fulfil your footballing ambitions.
Marouane Fellaini – Speaks for himself really. Fellaini’s is a sensational story and he is now reaping the rewards for both club and country. If one man is assured a place in the middle of the park, it’s the Red Devils’ number 31, our head coach said it himself – he’s ‘undroppable.’ His physical presence is invaluable, able to play a part at either end of the pitch and the pundits are certainly predicting an end-to-end contest for this one. Nobody stands a chance in aerial duels with our recent performer (and not because it will come off of his voluminous wig should he fail to make contact with his head!)
Juan Mata – It’s a time for shunned stars to step up, and with Mata facing his former employers, you’d expect him to take another jump up the ladder at the weekend. That right-hand side should be all United with the resources at their disposal. If only he had been preferred in the early stages of his 2014/15 stint.
Ashley Young – Simply stunning for his side only days ago, Ashley Young’s persistence to get occupy one of those starting spots has finally paid off. He’s pushing Angel Di Maria’s nose out of joint and that’s some feat for a man whose United career looked to have ended before it had even begun. About to sign a contract extension, it’s clear that the winger isn’t just here to make up the numbers for the remainder of the season before leading the summer sale as was initially expected. Suggested that he’s willing to take a pay cut to remain in Manchester, the 29-year-old is a rarity, and it is a good thing we are keeping hold of and giving him the game time he so deserves.
Wayne Rooney – Our best bet for goals, Rooney’s return to the frontline has also been key in Manchester United’s turnaround. A lone striker who knows the ropes at his long-serving club, there’s nobody better to wear the armband. After all, he’s learnt from the best and his fearlessness in ‘speaking up’ will be required on Saturday.
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