Huddersfield Town outclassed Birmingham City in the 4th round of the FA Cup and on Saturday, they are set to entertain Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United at John Smith’s Stadium in the 5th round of the aforesaid competition.
David Wagner and his entourage do have a huge task ahead of them and despite the fact that they would enter into the game as the underdogs, they are expected to put up a strong fight. Here is how we expect Wagner to roll out his starting line-up.
Team News
Aaron Mooy was stretchered off during his side’s 4-1 win over Bournemouth on Sunday. However, his knee injury is far less serious than what it looked like but it is unlikely that we will see Wagner rushing him back into action.
Elias Kachunga, Chris Lowe and Tommy Smith are out of contention while doubt persists over Laurent Depoitre as he is nursing a foot injury.
Goalkeeper
Jonas Lossl is expected to take on the role of the custodian against Mourinho’s men. He has collected 7 clean sheets in 27 league games so far this season and given the quality that Manchester United’s attacking arsenal possesses, he is expected to be tested quite often.
Defence
Terence Kongolo and Mathias Jorgensen are anticipated to be pencilled at the heart of the backline. These two work well together and need to stick to the basics against the Red Devils.
From the left-back slot, we expect to see Scott Malone’s industry whereas, at the right-back position, Florent Hadergjonaj would be a sensible option to use from the very beginning to complete the four-man defensive wall.
Midfield
Tom Ince should be able to offer his attacking prowess from the left side of the midfield and he is expected to be in the starting XI. Abdelhamid Sabiri should find himself being used on the other flank and these two have to really stretch the defensive line of the visiting side, manoeuvre quality crosses and pop up in the right areas.
The duo of Philip Billing and Jonathan Hogg are expected to be used in the middle of the park. Billing and Hogg need to stick together and try to find ways to carry the ball into the final third with their passes and vision and also to provide solidity in the centre of the park.
Attack
Steve Mounie is likely to be partnered with Collin Quaner up front. In recent games, Manchester United’s defence has looked shaky at times and the strikers need to make the most of any opportunity that they get.
