Huddersfield Town vs Manchester United
Date: 05/05/2019
K/O: 14:00
Venue: John Smiths Stadium
Referee: Lee Mason
TV: Sky Sports Main Event
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s deflated Manchester United travel to Huddersfield as the Red Devils continue the tug of war for fourth place.
It’s fair to say that it’s been a turbulent season for United; no silverware, they’ve been knocked out of the Champions League and it seems that they will be playing Europa League football next season. Similarly, the hosts have had a rotten season: three wins and a goal difference of -54 sums up a pretty abysmal and disappointing second consecutive season in the Premier League.
United though, still have a slight chance of making fourth place. They’ve been outclassed by rivals Liverpool and Manchester City, but Solskjaer’s side could still tip Chelsea out of fourth if they continue to win and certain results go their way. Fourth place, which is currently occupied by Chelsea, is three points above United, who are sat in sixth with 65 points. Sandwiched between them are Arsenal, who are on 66 points just two points behind Chelsea.
The on-going tug of war between the three sides has seen them all fail to win in their last three games. Arsenal have lost three on the bounce, Chelsea have managed two points and United have just the one. This shocking drop of form has increased the ferocity of the top four race and has opened it up going into the final games of the season.
Positively for United, they should win their next two games; Huddersfield away followed by Cardiff at home. This weekend, Arsenal host Brighton whose Premier League safety was ensured after Crystal Palace beat Cardiff to send the Bluebirds down to the Championship. The Gunners beat Valencia 3-1 on Thursday night and may focus their efforts on pushing for the top-four, whilst Chelsea don’t have the easiest run-in for Champions League qualification.
Before this weekend’s game, the Blues drew 1-1 in their Europa League semi-final against Eintracht Frankfurt and will face Watford, followed by a tough trip to King Power Stadium on the last day of the season. So as far as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is concerned, his United side could still have a say in who makes the top four this year.
On the other end of the table, Huddersfield are still fighting. Despite their best efforts last week, the Terriers were completely dismantled by Liverpool as they were battered 5-0 at Anfield. Siewert’s side put up a valiant fight, causing the Red’s some issues, but ultimately their Championship quality was clear, showing why they’ve already been relegated.
Having nothing to play for often reduces the pressure on a team and helps them play, but Town are yet to pick up a single point since being relegated and have looked nothing short of woeful.
This week’s tie could end similarly to last week’s for Huddersfield. United need to redeem themselves after some lacklustre performances and will be fighting for a Champions League spot. Town have nothing to play for and have won just twice at the John Smiths Stadium. A tricky game awaits for the Terriers.
Team News
Huddersfield Town
Huddersfield Town’s injury crisis hasn’t helped them this season and a large number of Town players are set to be out for the last two games of the season.
Striker Laurent Depoitre has a foot injury and won’t make the bench this weekend.
Sabiri could feature, but the midfielder lacks match fitness and will most likely not be risked by Jan Siewert. Van La Parra, who was so influential last season for the Terriers, is not available and is also expected not to make another appearance this season.
Aaron Mooy’s absence is a huge blow for Town, they missed his quality last weekend against Liverpool but he is set to make the bench after recovering from a knock.
Manchester United
For Manchester United Chris Smalling is set to start at centre back alongside Lindelof, despite having a slight knock, whilst Phil Jones is likely to miss out.
Lukaku could be sidelined again, as the Belgian striker has an ongoing hamstring issue which has restricted his form this season. But starting up front for the Red Devils will most likely be Marcus Rashford, who has recovered from a knock.
Mata is set to start just behind him in the attacking midfield role, as Solskjaer could reward the Spaniard a start after his goal last week.
Jesse Lingard will only make the bench but could feature as a substitute.
Predicted Starting XIs
Huddersfield Town (4-3-3): Lössl; Smith, Schindler, Kongolo, Durm; Hogg, Stankovic, Bacuna; Diakhaby, Grant, Mbenza
Manchester United (4-1-2-1-2): De Gea; Young, Lindelof, Smalling, Shaw; Matic; Herrera, Pogba; Mata, Rashford, Lukaku
Score Prediction: Huddersfield Town 0 Manchester United 3
I see a repeat of last week. Huddersfield will give it a good go, and could possibly nick a goal, but that’s unlikely. Town’s defence has been weak all season and United’s attack will cause them a lot of problems. Solskjaer’s side will have far too much quality for hosts, and it could end in a thrashing.
