The fifth round of the FA cup features a stunning game to be played at the Deepdale stadium between Preston North End and Manchester United on 16th February, Monday at 19.45 (GMT). The match will be shown in UK on BBC1.
Editor’s note: this match preview was submitted by special Sports Bank contributor Anand Padmanabhan
American TV info, via Fox Sports PR: Preston North End vs. Manchester United, FOX Sports 1 & FOX Sports GO, Monday, Feb. 16 (2:30 PM ET) (here’s much more on the television coverage of this match)
Form guide:
Both Preston North End and Manchester United are in fine form, but the latter have lost only one game in the last 18 including all competitions.
Manchester United defeated Cambridge United in the fourth round of the FA cup convincingly with a clean sheet. On the flip side, Preston North End defeated Sheffield United in their fourth round game with a 3-1 scoreline.
The Sports Bank‘s Manchester United starting XI prediction
The Guardian’s Manchester United line-up prediction
Team news for the match:
For Manchester United, certain absentees are Michael Carrick, who is recovering from calf muscle rupture and Phil Jones, who has a knee problem. There could be a change in formation. Either a lone forward or playing James Wilson/Wayne Rooney as a pair with Radamel Falcao, since Robin Van Persie received a knock in his previous game against Burnley. He’s doubtful to feature in this one.
United is hopeful midfielder Daley Blind will be a part of the team as he had some stitches in his head in the previous League fixture. Luke Shaw is available for the game after seeing off his one match suspension.
Manager Simon Grayson will miss his forward Jermaine Beckford (ear problem), but he will be really happy to play his top goal scorers Joe Garner and Paul Gallagher. There is a slight chance of Callum Robinson being included in the squad, as he returned to the first team training following a hamstring problem.
Last meeting:
The Red Devils last travelled to Preston North End on 5th February, 1972. On that day, United won a nail-biter as the late brace from Alan Gowling secured an amazing 2-0 win.
Officials:
Phil Dowd will see the proceedings and his assistants are Michael Mullarkey and David Bryan. The fourth official is David Webb.
Manager’s comments:
LOUIS VAN GAAL: “It will not be a piece of cake. All the factors are against us, as both the fans support and the passion to defeat higher division teams will drive lower teams to exhibit a fine performance. ”
Van Gaal was also the recipient of some criticism this week from club legend Paul Scholes. Here’s how he responded.
SIMON GRAYSON: “It’s a tough test for us, as United are a top club. We will try our maximum to display a great game for all”.