With the festive period fixture congestion behind them, Manchester United will now host a third round FA Cup tie against Derby County, and then have 10 days off. It’ll be a welcome rest period for United who definitely got the shaft from the schedule makers over the holiday period. It was tough for everybody, all teams had to play a lot of matches with little turnaround time in between, but the Red Devils certainly had it as bad as any other side.
Looking ahead to tomorrow, here’s what to expect as United welcome the Rams to Old Trafford.
As United begin their FA Cup odyssey for this season, they have a long unavailable list in this one due to injuries and suspension. Last week, Zlatan Ibrahimovic was ruled out for a month, as he re-aggravated his knee injury that kept him out for seven months. Fellow striker Romelu Lukaku should be back soon, but likely not in time for this clash, due to the head injury he suffered versus Southampton. Left back Ashley Young will serve the second of his three match ban in this one.
Defender Eric Bailly and midfielder Michael Carrick remain long term absentees, while attacking midfielder Marouane Fellaini and defender Antonio Valencia could be in contention for this one. United manager Jose Mourinho did not give an update on either player during his press conference on Thursday.
On the other touchline, ex United youngster Tom Lawrence and midfielder Joe Ledley are doubts for this match.
The MUFC starting XI prediction is available at this link.
The Jose Mourinho press conference video link, in which he addresses his future with the club and refers to what he calls “garbage news,” is available at this link.
FA Cup Odds: Man United 2/7, Draw 26/5, Derby County 14/1
FA Cup Prediction: United 3, Derby 1
As always feel free to post your own final score prediction and/or United starting XI prediction in the comments section below
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and the Tribune company’s blogging community Chicago Now.
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