The reds are back in action at Old Trafford this afternoon playing host to Norwich City, as they attempt to maintain their 12 point lead at the top of the FA Premier League.
With the small matter of a the visit of a certain Spanish side on
Tuesday night, Sir Alex can’t be planning on playing a full strength
side, but he will realise the importance of maintaining the distance
between United and City.
Chris Hughton will be hoping that his side can repeat the outcome of
our meeting at Carrow Road in November, when Anthony Pilkington grabbed
the only goal of the game and with it all three points in a shock
victory for the home side. With such a cushion at the top of the table;
and a hard, important Champions League game coming up on Wednesday; United may rest a few of the big-guns – and Norwich will be looking to take full advantage of that.
United Team News:
The reds will be without Darren Fletcher and Paul Scholes. Robin Van
Persie is likely to be available, and Phil Jones is on his way back to
fitness but it’s probable that he’ll be saved for Tuesday night if he’s
recovered from his ankle injury.
Nemanja Vidic is likely to be rested, with Jonny Evans or Chris
Smalling perhaps taking his place. The front line could also have a
different look to it than the first choice pairing of Rooney and Van
Persie.
The trip to Carrow Road earlier in the season showed just what
Norwich are capable of especially when playing a side not firing on all
cylinders, despite that 1-0 win for his team, Chris Houghton will know a
visit to Old Trafford is a completely different proposition.
We can fully expect Sir Alex to pick only a handful of players who’ll
make it for Tuesday, but with the current strength-in-depth of the
squad there should be enough to overcome mid-table Norwich.
In a match that Sir Alex Ferguson has labelled as ‘mundane’, once
again extending the lead at the top to 15 points will heap the focus and
pressure on to Man City who can’t afford any more slip ups. They don’t
play until Monday, and any points dropped by the reds will give the
neighbours a lift for their visit to Aston Villa.
Expect plenty of changes to the starting line up, and substitutions a
bit earlier than normal with the Real Madrid game in mind. And be
prepared for a game which might look like a walk in the park on paper,
to be a far harder task out there on the pitch.
Predicted line-up: DDG, Rafael, Nemanja Vidic, Chris Smalling,
Alexander Buttner, Ashley Young, Anderson, Ryan Giggs, Nani, Rooney,
Chicharito.
Wherever you’re watching it, enjoy the game.
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