After the ManU – Reading FC game it is rather obvious that we will see several chances in SAF’s selection for the away game against Portsmouth FC, at Trafford Park.
There is no doubt that after Brown’s impressive game on Sunday and the rather pitiful game of our belovest Frenchmen, AKA Mikael Silvestre, latter will get axed from the squad and we’ll see Evra return to his favored left-back position. With it still being too early to see Neville make his return, our defense will be traditional with Ferdinand – Vidic in the center and Brown and Evra on the backs, both allowed to move forward.
In the midfield, Owen will be a starter, because we need his bite, especially on away games. Owen isn’t scared to go there with hurts and both his pace and his penetration force will help us during the expected midfield battle at Trafford Park. Owen and Carrick will be lined up next to each other, both covering the defensive midfield, alterningly showing their offensive audacity.
With 3 games in 8 days I expect that Scholes will be given some rest, but this time I am not going to gamble on Anderson being a starter. But I think he’ll surely get some time on the pitch tomorrow. While Scholes plays, we’ll see a 4-2-3-1 setup, with Ronaldo and Giggs playing wide. When Anderson takes Scholes place we’ll move to a more conventional 4-4-2 with Giggs moving forward next to Tevez, who will replace Roon in front.
Moving Giggs more forward will also easierly allow to bring in Nani when needed.
Lineup: VDS, Brown, Rio, Vidic, Evra, Hargreaves, Carrick, Ronaldo, Scholes, Giggs, Tevez.
Subs: Kuszczak, O’Shea, Fletcher, Nani, Anderson.
Prediction: 0 – 2.
It’s your turn now.