Strongest Manchester United line-up to play Shakhtar Donetsk

Things have gone from bad to worse for Manchester United and David Moyes this season. Back to back home defeats have left the Red Devils in an embarrassing 9th position in the Barclays Premier League. However, Tuesday’s Champions League fixture against Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk will prove to be a major route for gaining some lost momentum.

How times have changed! No longer has Old Trafford retained the charm of being the Fortress of which the Red Devils’ fans were proud of. With the Champions League qualification almost done and dusted, tomorrow’s match would be a breather for Moyes who will be assured of playing in the knock out stages of the competition.

Last time United played in the Champions League they thrashed German outfit Bayern Leverkusen by a whopping 5-0 margin. The visitors will also be looking to grab three points, but United can hold on to their top spot even with a draw or a defeat unless they don’t concede more than 6.

The encounter comes at a time when Manchester United are perhaps undergoing their terrible transition period under new manager David Moyes, who faces a moment of truth in his managerial career taking over the reins from Sir Alex in the summer.

As far as the team news is concerned, the Mirror has reported that Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra, Chris Smalling and Marouane Fellaini are all set to miss the Champions League game along with long term absentee Micheal Carrick. The only good news going into the game is the return of Japanese midfielder Shinji Kagawa who missed out Newcastle’s match with an illness.

With pretty much a depleted line-up at his hands, what will be Moyes’ strongest lineup against Shakhtar?

DefenceDavid De Gea is expected to start under the sticks behind a make shift back four with Rafael and Alexander Buttner to replace Evra if the latter fails to make it to the squad. Rio Ferdinand might partner alongside Jonny Evans at the heart of United’s defence, both of whom who will be up against a rampant Shakhtar side in recent times.

MidfieldMichael Carrick’s absence means Tom Cleverley and perhaps Phil Jones will be used as the double pivot in perhaps a more compact 4-2-3-1 formation. Shinji Kagawa will play on the left and Anton Valencia might be given the nod ahead of Nani in the right winger role. Wayne Rooney will return after missing out on Sunday through suspension and is expected to play in the link up man role.

ForwardsRobin Van Persie looked out of sorts playing a little bit deep against Newcastle which hampered his overall game to a great extent. Tomorrow night however he will be given enough freedom to play as the perfect number nine, in and around the Shakhtar Back line. However with qualification almost secured, there are equal chances the Javier Hernandez might be given a start resting the Dutch International for the weekend’s clash against Aston Villa.

PredictionsIt has been six years since United have won three back to back games in the Champions League and playing at home United will up against a very capable outfit who can change the tide in a matter of minutes. If I go by form, United might just draw in a high scoring encounter against the Ukrainian outfit.