Predicted Manchester United XI to play Sunderland – Giggs and Kagawa slot into midfield

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Match to be played Wednesday January 22 2014. Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester.

Manchester United will be looking to overturn a one goal deficit when they host Sunderland in the second leg of their League Cup semi-final.

The away side lead 2-1 heading into the game and it’s an important match for United boss David Moyes, as he looks to salvage any piece of silverware which can make up for a disappointing league campaign so far.

Here’s the side Moyes may go with.

GK – David De Gea

De Gea is one of the best goalkeepers in England and he’ll offer United some security at the back. He can make key saves from any position.

RB – Rafael

The Brazilian should slot in on the right hand side of defence. He’ll get up and down that side of the pitch throughout the game.

CB – Phil Jones

Jones started in midfield against Chelsea but the time has come to drop him into the back four. He’s capable of producing a superb performance here.

CB – Jonny Evans

Evans reads the game well and gets into the right positions. He looked off the pace against Chelsea but this is another chance for him to impress.

LB – Alexander Buttner

Buttner should slot in after Patrice Evra picked up a slight problem against Chelsea.

RM – Antonio Valencia

Pace down the right hand side of the side is going to be key and Valencia is as quick as anyone else in the squad.

CM – Michael Carrick

The magnitude this game now holds for United means Carrick could start when Moyes may have preferred to rest him. He’ll occupy space and cut off the angles.

CM – Ryan Giggs

Giggs can inject experience, maturity and a little bit of quality into the midfield. He’ll be an important player for United if they don’t get off to a good start.

LM – Shinji Kagawa

Kagawa can offer control in possession out on the left. He’ll come inside and rotate with Giggs throughout the game.

ST – Adnan Januzaj

Januzaj could start up front for United, dropping off into a left midfield role with Kagawa pushing inside if United end up protecting a narrow lead late in the game.

ST – Danny Welbeck

United need someone versatile who can lead the attack. Welbeck’s work ethic means he’ll try and occupy more than one player in the Sunderland defence throughout the game.

image: © Gordon Flood