Norwich City host Manchester United in the early kick off at Carrow Road on Saturday lunchtime knowing they realistically must win in order to increase their chances of avoiding relegation this season.
The Canaries did beat United 2-1 in the reverse fixture back in December at Old Trafford thanks to goals from Cameron Jerome and Alex Tettey but in truth, Manchester United were going through their worst form of the season and there were growing calls for manager, Louis Van Gaal, to be given the sack. However fast forward five months and the emergence of Marcus Rashford later, and United are in a much healthier position and still have a realistic chance of the Champions League should they win their remaining games.
This will be no easy game for Norwich but with only Watford and Everton left to play after Saturday’s fixture, there can be no more poor performances from the Canaries.
Here is my predicted XI ahead of the game.
John Ruddy - GK
John Ruddy hasn’t pulled up any trees since coming back into the side but he has done a decent enough job to retain his place and keep Declan Rudd on the bench. He made a good save from Mohammad Elneny last week against Arsenal but couldn’t do too much about Danny Welbeck’s goal.
Ivo Pinto - RB
I don’t think Pinto did anything wrong defensively last week but he’s definitely better on the offensive. With Andre Wisdom returning to Liverpool early due to injury and Timm Klose’s injury meaning Russell Martin will probably play centre-back, Pinto will likely start.
Russell Martin - CB
City’s likeable captain will start at centre-back in what will need to be the performance of his career in order to keep quiet the attacking threat of England skipper Wayne Rooney, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford. He did play quite well against Arsenal last week, making a number of key blocks.
Sebastian Bassong - CB
The Cameroon man always seems to have a mistake in him and is often caught in possession. He will likely start due to his experience but he must stick to the basics and do them well.
Martin Olsson - LB
He’s the best left-back at the club and I fully expect Olsson to play. He can cause United problems with his pace down that left hand side.
Nathan Redmond - RM
He was Norwich’s best player against Arsenal last week and would have scored had it not been for Petr Cech’s heroics in the Arsenal goal. He needs to put in a good performance if the Canaries are to win this game and he certainly has the ability to cause the Red Devils problems.
Jonny Howson - CM
Howson has been very impressive this season in Norwich’s midfield and is definitely a contender for player of the season. The ex-Leeds captain is hard-working, brave and possesses all the qualities that Norwich need in this survival fight.
Gary O'Neil - CM
I don’t understand the Norwich fans love for Gary O’Neil. Yes, he undoubtedly works hard but footballing ability wise he isn’t a Premier League player. He had a fantastic chance to score in the first half last weekend but skied it after a fantastic move. I’d give Youssouf Mulumbu a chance in midfield but I think Neil will retain O’Neil so he stays in this side.
Robbie Brady - LM
The former Manchester United player will be eager to put in a good performance against his old club. Brady hasn’t been on the best form as of late but with United weak at defending set pieces, the stage could be set for Brady to assist Norwich’s cause in a big way.
Steven Naismith - CAM
Naismith has flopped massively since signing for Norwich in January. The Scotland international had an impressive debut in which he scored against Liverpool but has been anonymous in the games he’s played in since. I want him to start and have a feeling he will despite recent performances to help sink the Red Devils. However, Norwich stalwart Wes Hoolahan could well retain his place in the role behind the striker and to be honest I’m fine with either playing providing they play well.
Dieumerci Mbokani - ST
The big striker was overlooked in favour of Cameron Jerome last week but was sent on with 20 minutes to play and caused a bigger nuisance of himself in that time than Cameron Jerome had on the whole match. The Congo man could have scored as well but for a great Gabriel tackle after Nathan Redmond had put the ball into his path. I expect Neil to start him as if Mbokani is on form, he will be a real handful for the United back line.