Some indication was given to the team that will walk out against Newcastle. All of the players that played on Tuesday night against CFR Cluj will be available in addition to Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick. Johnny Evans went off with a dead leg against Cluj, but seems to have recovered in time for the match. This means that he will probably partner Rio Ferdinand at the centre of defence again. Chris Smalling has started training on the football side of things, which means that he will probably be fit for a place on the bench according to SAF. This comes as a welcome boost considering the difficulty Manchester United have been having in that area of the field. Smalling can also play in the centre of defence which is an area that requires attention with the ageing Ferdinand and inconsistent Evans.With Young, and Valencia both still on the treatment table, United seem to be short of attacking options on the wing. Nani has been extremely inconsistent and Giggs does not have the pace for wing-play anymore. SAF has tried Welbeck in that position, but the boy likes to come in and try and get goals. I cannot blame him. He did have a decent return in his first full season in the first team. He seems best suited up front though, as a striker. The twin act of Rooney and Van Persie seems intriguing with Rooney playing the classic No. 10 role on Tuesday night. Maybe Shinji Kagawa should start on the bench against Newcastle, as Rooney does love to score against them. If this happens, then perhaps Chicharito will also start on the bench. He looked quite frustrated on Tuesday night with no service coming his way.
The middle of the park seems to always be an issue. Fletcher, for me, should start. He seems to be able to break down play and a game against Newcastle will test whether he can still play at this level. Sholes also likes to score against Newcastle, but lacks the pace to keep up with the game. With Hatim Ben Arfa and Yohan Cabaye in the Newcastle engine room, we need players that can break down attacks and then counter. Manchester United perfected counter-attacking football and it should not fall by the wayside in terms of tactics.
