PBP: FAC - chelsea FC vs Manchester United FC - Feb 18, 2019 [R]

Time to give Chong minutes..

 

Early shout for Monday's team:
--------------Romero
Dalot Smalling Lindelöf Shaw
---------------Matic
--------Herrera Pogba
----------------AP
-------Lukaku Rashford

Subs: Grant, Darmian, Jones, Fred, Mata, Greenwood, Chong

This is obviously going on the assumption that neither Lingard or Martial will be available for this one (the reports so far indicate they're serious doubts at this time). Not sure yet on Sanchez's status, but even if he was fit, he'd be on the bench at best.
Given the personnel on hand, with no one really able to competently fill in on the right, my thought is to switch to a 4-4-2. Mata may seem like the obvious pick to play in the hole in support of the front 2, but my preference would be to give AP the shot here.
He is a versatile player, but this is the position that probably suits him the best. He's an intelligent, highly creative player who is mobile and his pretty quick (both mentally and with his feet as well). Those are qualities that make him a better choice in Ole's system and style of play than Mata would be in almost every way.
I get that he tanked badly the last couple of times he was given an opportunity to start, but I want to see what he can do in this specific role. And given our current situation, it's as good a time as any. The rest of the picks are pretty straightforward for me: only question is in central defence. If Ole wants to stick with Lindelöf and Bailly, that's fine by me, but all the same I have no issue with Smalling getting a run now that he's fit.
As mentioned before, I have 2 youngsters on the bench for this one and would have no qualms throwing one of them (even both really) in the deep end if it was required in the 2nd half. Wouldn't mind seeing what their youthful exuberance can do against a tired backline in the 2nd period (against some poor defenders as well truth be told).

 

"We won't panic because we've lost a game — our mindset won't change at all," Ole says. "We need to keep working the way we want to play and they way we approach games will always be in an attacking, positive frame of mind." #MUFC pic.twitter.com/rehBfdggMG

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 15, 2019

 

As noted previously, Ole at least is saying all the right things following United's defeat vs PSG. The next few weeks will show if all that translates to on the pitch performances and results.

 

Quoting because one rep isn't enough. Only thing is maybe give Matic a break and start McT or give Herrera

 

Wouldn't play ap there. If that is how we line up why not play mata in ap place? Think he would be more suited for that role in that set up, no?

 

We might have to rotate in midfield, but the thing is whoever Sarri decides to go with in his midfield will be guys pretty mobile and energetic guys. And it's something we have to match.
This would be a great game for Fred to play in: we simply do not know where he's at currently in terms of being ready to contribute. If he was, I'd play him, along with Herrera at the 6 and Pogs (initially at least).
AP, as stated above, is simply quicker and more mobile than Mata which is key in the way Ole has the team play. Because of that, as much as I like Mata, he's just not the right fit with this team and it's possible his time could be up. AP is a risk considering how he's played of late, but this is his most natural position and would love to see what he can offer in that role for us.

 

The traveling squad for tomorrow's game:
De Gea, Romero, Grant, Dalot, AY, Smalling, Shaw, Lindelof, Bailly, Matic, AP, McTominay, Fred, Pogba, Herrera, Lukaku, Chong, Rashford, Sanchez, Mata.

Gomes didn't make the cut unfortunately and neither did Jones (which is a relief).

 

Any reason why Gomes isnt incuded apart from tactical ?

 

I'm having a hard time believing the Sanchez injury report so I'm going with this;

De Gea
Young Lindelof Smalling Shaw
Herrera Matic Pogba
Lukaku Rashford Sanchez

It's the FA Cup and it's Chelsea. This is no time for a weakened side with players like Fred. Maybe just maybe Pereira on the right for Herrera but I can't' see that happening. And I don't see Ole letting Pereira sit deep against a squad like Chelsea, even if they are in poor form right now.

Another interesting option, though I don't see Ole going for this either, is Sanchez as a false nine. Our in-form players are Rashford and Pogba (and Lindelof too) and you have to play to their strengths. Marcus up top, Alexis doing what he can from the left, with Pogba directing traffic.

I don't think we've seen Lukaku start on the right but he's looked half decent there even when in overall poor form. If he embraces the responsibilities of the role he could be pretty effective. We'll see.

 

Darren Fletcher's views on the game.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/47273326

 

The news you've been waiting for — tonight's #MUFC team to face Chelsea in the #EmiratesFACup! 👇

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 18, 2019

 

433 or 442 diamond? As I suspected mata plays just hope that he is a ten behind Rom and Rash.

 

Chelsea XI: Kepa, Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Rudiger, Alonso, Jorginho, Kante, Kovacic, Pdero, Hazard, HIguain

 

There is basically no difference between the two with us. Wether its Jesse or Mata they will always vacate the flank and leave the RB to push up.

 

Here's hoping Alonso does not hurt us too much today. We're missing the boat/opportunity on 2 different facets. First, the guy is shit defensively and we're giving him virtually a free ride there, with AY as the only threat on that flank.
Then, and more worrying, we're giving a wide berth to operate and bomb down the flank and be a factor down the left for Chelsea offensively. Mata is not going to stop or even track him and AY will already have his hands full, potentially giving Chelsea plenty of joy on that side.

 

Ole puts a lineup that signals wanting a bounce back win, however if we do not I expect more changes at the back and in the middle.

 

We also have no attacking options on the bench.

 

I'm listening to this game. I'm unwilling to pay more than I currently am for entertainment but even if I wanted to see every United game live I'd have to pay for TNT's thing and ESPN+ and NBC Gold. That's ludicrous. Damn nonsense.

 

Something is jacked with ESPN+ today.

 

Only 6 minutes in and Matic has already passed the ball tot he other team, and then stood on the ball and got pick pocketed.