It’s more of the same that United fans will be hoping for. After beating their noisy neighbours in the Charity Shield they’re had three wins on the bounce, and currently stand at the the top of the Premier League table, having scored 13 goals in just 3 games, and conceded just 3. And with David de Gea slowly growing into the role between the sticks, they won’t be conceding many in the future either!
The team has a fresh impetus following the injection of youth (in the form of Cleverly, Smalling, Jones and Ashley Young), and when they are on the top of their game, as they were for spells in their 8-2 demolition of Arsenal, they are basically unplayable. Good luck Bolton!
With Ferdinand now nearing full fitness, with Vidic not far behind, it remains to be seen whether Sir Alex will stick to his young guns. Smalling will almost certainly start at right-back (as he did for England in both qualifiers), but Rio might be used to partner Evans in the centre. Evra takes up his usual left-sided spot, where he is starting to link up neatly with Ashley Young. Capello’s decision not to play Tom Cleverley should pay dividends for United in the centre, where he’s played well alongside fellow lung-busting runner Anderson.
With Valencia and Danny Welbeck both ruled out through injury, Saturday might well see a return to the first team for cult hero Javier Chicharito Hernandez – it will be his first chance to prove that he will not be outshone by the new class. Rooney should also start, leaving a disappointed Michael Owen, Federico Macheda and Deimitar berbatov on the bench. That’s some firepower to call upon if they need it!
Last Match
Manchester United 8-2 Arsenal
Liverpool 3-1 Bolton
Form
Manchester United W-W-W
Bolton W-L-L
Match Odds
United 2/5 (Paddy Power)
Bolton 15/2 (Stan James)