Team vs Everton
DDG
Jones Vidic Smalling Evra
Valencia Carrick Anderson Young
Van Persie Hernandez
Team vs Madrid
DDG
Rafa Rio Evans Evra
Nani Carrick Cleverley Kagawa
Rooney
Van Persie
If I was SAF, I'd go with these two line-ups respectively. When I went to the 4-4 last season, I noticed how huge Everton are....not only Fellaini and Jelavic, but even Jagielka and Distin. Rafa was targeted by Everton due to his lack of height. With Baines and Pienaar's deliveries, their main threat is from set pieces hence Jonah, Chris and Vida all playing. Plucking for Chicha up front to stretch them a bit as Jags and Distin aren't too mobile. Rooney to come on if we need him....better to save him for Madrid! Valencia terrorised Baines 2 seasons ago and we'll need him to prevent crosses coming in. Young hasn't played for a while and should be fresh, as should Ando, who should be able to outrun Gibson and Osman! Pace is the key against Everton.
As for Madrid, the height factor is less of an issue. Rio is needed for his experience in the big games and Evans should play as he put in a good shift against Ronaldo when playing for NI recently. Rafa will be able to keep up with Ronny or Di Maria pace wise, Jonah won't. Cleverley and Kagawa will be vital against Madrid for us to keep more possession and keep defensively solid. A fresh Rooney in Madrid will be more effective and Nani playing will hopefully pin back Coentrao from bombing on!
Lineups for the next two
posted on 8/2/13
rooney needs to play all the time while he's in form
posted on 8/2/13
Remy is fit now (apparently) so if i was Man U i would be more worried about QPR than Everton or Madrid (whoever they are?)
posted on 8/2/13
As important as the Madrid game is in midweek, we must play a full strength team against Everton because I would say it'll be difficult enough with a full strength team out, nevermind a team with a few changes.
posted on 8/2/13
Rooney is only just back to full fitness
Playing both won't trouble him.
Luckily we play after City so if City drop points at Southampton, I truly belive we can save a few players for RM
I'd take a draw v Everton if it meant beating Madrid at the Bernabeu
Would be a different story if City were closer though.
I'd hate to win the league by 15 points having gone out to RM because we put all our efforts into the Everton game
posted on 9/2/13
Welbeck WILL start vs Madrid away on the wing. He presses the ball and defends from the front much more than any of the other wingers.