Potential Lineups: Manchester United vs Leicester City
REUTERS/Andrew Innerarity
The madness of the transfer window is over, and now, unadulterated football is expected to resume.
The Premier League starts off with Manchester United taking on Leicester City in their first game of the season, with Old Trafford prepared to be electric spectators for a great game.
Here’s how both sides are apt to lineup for the opener:
Manchester United
In what seems to be a recurring start-of-the-season curse for Jose Mourinho, a worrying lineup of injuries is already plaguing the side.
Matic, Valencia, Dalot, Herrera, Rojo, and Romero are all out for certain for the game, with some showing indications of being out of action for some time.
To add to the woe, fresh knocks and World Cup fatigue has rendered even the likes of Lukaku, Pogba, Lingard, Young, and Fellaini to be far from match-fit but are likely to make cameo roles as substitutes.
As of such, Rashford could find himself starting along with Luke Shaw, with Fred poised to make his debut at Old Trafford. Moreover, a decent World-Cup showing could also give Lindelof ample reason to start. Lastly, a strong pre-season showing may mean that Pereira too ought to make the cut given the circumstances.
Goalkeeper: David De Gea
Defenders: Darmian, Bailly, Lindelof, Shaw
Midfielders: Fred, McTominay, Pereira
Forwards: Martial, Rashford, Sanchez
Formation: 4-3-3
Leicester City
REUTERS/Andrew Yates
The Foxes don’t have many injury woes to worry about. Harry Maguire and James Vardy, courtesy of their World Cup outing with England, were expected to not start due to fatigue, but a late-injury to Jonny Evans may provide Maguire the start after all.
A strong pre-season can also ensure that Iheanacho will be an assured start up-front. They will be eager to kick off their season on strong footing, and being pinned against an injured United, who are fresh off a disappointing window, may just do the trick.
Goalkeeper: Schmeichel
Defenders: Pereira, Morgan, Maguire, Chilwell
Midfielders: Ndidi, Iborra, Diabate, Maddison, Albrighton
Striker: Iheanacho
Formation: 4-2-3-1