Wednesday night’s narrow, nervy 1-0 defeat of West Ham saw United
remain a point clear of neighbour’s City at the top. Chelsea’s second
consecutive 0-0 draw means the Manchester sides have a 6 and 7 point
cushion to the chasing pack. Two horse race? Reading played out a narrow
1-0 of their own, ultimately losing out at Aston Villa (another late
goal conceded). The results leaves them on 9 points from 13 games,
firmly routed in the bottom three.
With second-placed City playing at 3pm, United could enter the 5.30pm
kick-off in second place. With the derby looming, a win – and thus
entering next weekend’s clash a point clear – would be most favourable. A
home win would still leave Reading in the relegation zone, but they are
in danger of being cast adrift if results (only 1 win so far this
season) do not improve.
MANCHESTER UNITED TEAM NEWS
Fergie on Reading: “They’re definitely a club that are improving
and although they’ve not had a lot of wins, they’re always hard games
against them. I expect what we got at Norwich – a really difficult game.”
The victory over West Ham – while not the blistering display many
were hoping for after taking such an early lead – ensured we remained a
point clear at the top. Most of the outstanding players on the night
were in defence – perhaps likely as an all-too-rare-this-season clean
sheet was achieved. Jonny Evans was exceptional at the heart of the
defence, with Smalling not too far behind. The two stood up to the
physical battle with Andy Carroll, winning their fair share of aerial
duels as well as blocking and clearing well when they didn’t. Evans, in
particular, brought back memories of a younger Rio Ferdinand in the way
he glided out with the ball from the back. Graceful, calm, full of
purpose. It was a delight to see.
Rafael continued his run of brilliant
form with another composed, solid display. He’s become so reliable it’s
easy to see why many now see him as the league’s best right-back. With
the midfield playing a narrow diamond, it was up to him and Patrice Evra
to provide the width. In the main, they did this well. Neither player
possesses a truly consistent killer final pass/cross – Evra never will –
but I hope, for Rafael, it will come.
All that being said, I see the only change to the back four being
Ferdinand – rested midweek – to come back into the side in place of
Chris Smalling, still working back from injury. Rio and Evans should
have their hands full dealing with the power of Roberts and the movement
of Le Fondre, their top scorer. Concentration could be key.
In goal, it is likely that Anders Lindegaard – on the back of another
decent display including one brilliant save from Carlton Cole – will
continue in goal, with David de Gea coming in for the clash against Cluj
next week.
With continued injury and loss of form in the wide areas, another
outing for the midfield diamond seems likely. Nani is over a month away
from fitness, while Valencia could be back for the trip to City. Ashley
Young’s downward spiral continued against West Ham (albeit as a sub)
while, as I mentioned last time, Danny Welbeck IS NOT a winger.
Therefore, I fully expect to see the same front 6 start again this
weekend.
While Paul Scholes is back from suspension, there was enough on
show on Wednesday night to suggest, should the same players be given a
little more time together, something nice could be brewing. Some of the
passing, especially in the early part of the game, was crisp, purposeful
and almost inventive. I, for one, would like to see more of the same. I
just hope Fergie does too! Should he, expect to see Carrick, Anderson
(who was very good again on Wednesday), Cleverley and Rooney in the
midfield area, with Robin van Persie and Javier Hernandez up top.
While a tight diamond should see us control the centre of the park,
we will have to be wary of the trickery of McAnuff on the wing. Leaving
him one-on-one v Evra could pose us problems, with the Reading captain
by far and away their most productive player. Evra will have a job on
his hands to keep the Reading captain quiet. The central United players
will have to work hard to shift across and double-up as and when it is
necessary.
With the Cluj game in midweek a non-event, it will be a chance to
give the likes of Rafael, Evans and Evra a rest, as well as wrapping up
Rooney, Carrick and RvP for the City game. Smalling, Jones, Welbeck,
Buttner and de Gea will surely come in. I doubt Fergie will make too
drastic a change to the side for the Reading trip with the City game on
the horizon. Going there ahead in the table could be important. The time
for rest/game time will come in the week.
Reading will be roared on by a sell-out home crowd; a fast, frenetic
start should be expected. Their home record this season suggests it will
be a tight game. While United should enjoy the majority of possession
(as they usually do, of course), Reading will be dangerous on the
counter; concentration at the back, especially with Adam Le Fondre
sniffing around, could prove vital. While going a goal or two ahead
would be nice for a change, Reading’s record when leading (14 points
dropped) tells us that they are equally as vulnerable when 1-0 up as 1-0
down. Our own record of points gained from losing positions this season
(18 gained) will be well-known to the Reading players, too. Expect
another stirring fight-back should Reading take an early lead.
Predicted United line-up: Lindegaard, Rafael, Ferdinand, Evans,
Evra, Carrick, Cleverley, Anderson, Rooney, Hernandez, Van Persie
Score prediction: Reading 1-2 United
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