Manchester United visit Deepdale as they take on Preston North End F.C in the fifth round of the FA Cup. Playing in the third tier of English Football, Preston face a massive challenge as Van Gaala s men come looking for a comfortable win.
Preston North End F.C
Preston saw off the challenge from Sheffield United in the fourth round of the FA Cup and will look to put forward a strong display against Manchester United. Manager Simon Grayson will take comfort from the fact that United havena t been playing good football lately and have struggled in the FA Cup this season. Van Gaala s men struggled against both Yeovil Town and Cambridge United in the previous rounds of the Cup and Preston could end Manchester Uniteda s run as they two go head to head on Monday.
Preston are likely to start with a 3-5-2 formation with Huntington, Wright and Clarke playing in the defence. Joe Garner will be tasked with the responisibitly to attack Manchester Uniteda s shaky defence and the striker has backed himself with a strong performance this season. He will be assisted by Kevin Davies in the attack with Gallagher and Humphrey providing the ammunition from the wings.
Expected Starting Eleven: Stuckmann (GK); Clarke, Huntington, Wright, Laird, Wiseman; Welsh, Humphrey, Gallagher; Davies, Garner
It will be interesting to see how Manchester United shape up against Preston who are likely to sit in their own half and defend against the visitors. Van Gaal has been severely criticized for the manner in which Manchester United have been playing this season and has been accused of misusing the players at his disposal. Despite Robin Van Persie and Radamel Falcao failing to strike an effective partnership up front, Van Gaal has refused to allow Wayne Rooney to move up on the pitch, using him as a central midfielder in the diamond formation.
Visiting Preston in the 5th round of the FA Cup, Manchester United will need the likes of Angel Di Maria and Wayne Rooney to step up their game in order to unlock the defence. Preston will be happy to let Manchester United keep possession while not allowing them any room near the box to score goals. Juan Mata could be expected to start the game with Falcao and Wilson leading the teama s attack. Daley Blind should be able to start the game despite suffering a knock in the last game and will accompany Wayne Rooney and Angel Di Maria in the midfield.
Expected Starting Eleven: De Gea (GK); Rojo, Evans, McNair, Shaw; Blind, Rooney, Di Maria, Mata; Falcao, Wilson
Prediction
Preston North End 0-2 Manchester United
Player to Watch Out For
Angel Di Maria is the player to watch out for as Manchester United take on Preston North End in the FA Cup. The Argentine has been on a good form and Van Gaal will depend on him to open up the defence and provide Falcao and Wilson with the opportunities to score goals.