Will Wazza be used in a CM role?
Another major blow to United’s hopes is the news that Berbatov has recently been ruled out with an ankle injury. It looks increasingly likely that Welbeck, despite any recent and real game time, will partner Rooney up front. This, of course, is unless Ferguson decides to go with three in midfield with maybe Young, Rooney and Nani making a front three.
If three in midfield is an option Ferguson can look no further than Giggs, Fletcher, Park or recent goal hero, Jones. It’s hard to make a solid case for any of those not to play – Jones is looking more and more assured with every performance in a United shirt and Ferguson admitted that his appearance in midfield against Villa was in order to prepare him for this trip to Swizerland. Games like this are made for Giggs too; weaker opposition and a game where a result is needed should secure him a place. Fletcher and Park are probably the two fighting it out for the last remaining place in the team as both offer endless running and selfless battling.
At the back it should be a case of as you were. Ferdinand and Vidic were pretty faultless on the weekend and proved that recent rumours that Ferguson may be willing to let them both go in the summer should be laughed at. We all know that Ferdinand isn’t going to play every game this season but, as Gary Neville pointed out on Monday Night Football, he and Vidic really compliment each other’s playing style. Evra and Smalling will offer defensive stability and plenty of options going forward.
The number one jersey is proving to be an increasingly interesting selection dilemma for Ferguson. Clearly he’s spent a lot on de Gea and logic would suggest that with such an outlay he’s the future. However, every time Lindegaard has played, even though unduly troubled, he’s always fronted up and made some good saves.
United, as I stated earlier, need only a draw to qualify. However, Ashley Young feels that it would be dangerous to go to Basle playing for a draw. He’s been quoted as saying ‘It would be dangerous to think we only need a draw. No one at this club has that mentality.” One thing’s for sure, United won’t be taking them as lightly as Basle skipper, Marco Streller, feels they took them previously, “They will take us seriously because they know we are a good team. We have proved it already.”
Ain’t that the truth?!
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I feel a 4-3-3 formation will leave united vulnerable at the back.Given our limited choice of strikers a 4-2-3-1 formation will provides solidity in defence and midfield rather than attacking flair.With basel being at home and needing a win i have a feeling they are going to be much more open than they were at OT and with shagiri back in the team it just makes sense for them to be attack minded.Patience and experience should see united through.