Following his pre-match press conference, Louis van Gaal has confirmed that Wayne Rooney and Luke Shaw are unavailable for Sunday’s match against Arsenal.
Angel Di Maria and Robin van Persie are again fit to play, while Marcos Rojo ‘could feature’ after missing four game through groin strain.
I expect van Gaal to make two swaps in comparison to the eleven who started in victory at Selhurst Park. Contention for places is not very high at the moment and Dutch expert seems to have established his most trusted group of players. Roles that are maybe left empty due to number of injured players are left-back, one midfield role and striker. In absence of Shaw and having in mind, Daley Blind is needed in midfield, Rojo is most likely to fill in, with Tyler Blackett probably getting on the bench.
Midfield should remain unchanged, not so much because of flawless performance last weekend, but lack of options. Michael Carrick won’t play again this season, while main back-up Rooney is also out and Di Maria has struggled for minutes lately, meaning his start would be far-fetched to call.
Ashley Young will certainly start after his man-of-the-match performance, and Juan Mata’s inclusion is also imminent, which leaves one vacant place. I assume van Persie will get the nod ahead of Radamel Falcao, just like he did two weeks ago against West Bromwich Albion. The manager undoubtedly favours his compatriot to confidence-shy Colombian and van Persie will definitely be up for it against his old employers.
Likely XI (4-3-3): De Gea, Valencia, Smalling, Jones, Rojo, Blind, Mata, Herrera, Fellaini, Young, Van Persie
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