Manchester United continues its quest for silverware this Wednesday, as Louis Van Gaal's side hosts Aitor Karanka's Middlesbrough, in what should be an interesting game to watch during the fourth round of the Capital One Cup. After a series of matches that ended with shocking results, United will try not to add their name to those top tier teams eliminated, making themselves immediate candidates for the trophy.
Both teams have struggled in recent weeks, with United only capable of winning one of their last four games in all competitions. On the other hand, Middlesbrough earned a come-from-behind win during their last match against Wolverhampton Wanderers, but conceding an early goal against Manchester United could prove to be quite risky for them.
Manchester United
After a couple of draws against CSKA and Manchester City, coach Louis Van Gaal will need add some versatility to his team, since most of his players have been under constant pressure, and some of them have not enjoyed a much needed rest. Aside from Luke Shaw, who's still out for the next five months at least, the Dutch coach will not have Antonio Valencia available. Up front, French striker Anthony Martial could leave his starting spot for James Wilson, although LVG hasn't decided yet which frequent starters will be given a chance to lay down.
"I have a lot of players in the 'red zone' because we have had a lot of matches and we have a lot of matches to play. I have to see if I can use them or not. We need all the days to recover at this moment, so it is difficult to say," the Dutch coach revealed.
Middlesbrough
The away team will face a number of dilemmas, since Boro's leading striker Christian Stuani has been ruled out of Wednesday's game. Added to the South American striker's absence, Albert Adomah and Adam Forshaw will also have to watch the game from the stands. Furthermore, Adam Clayton, Diego Fabbrini (the team's other goal scoring threat), Grant Leadbitter and Dani Ayala are one yellow card away from suspension, giving Karanka more than one headache to present a competitive side that doesn't deviate the team from it's long-term goal: promotion to the EPL.
Head to head
The most recent games between these two teams have been completely dominated by Manchester United, winning four out of the last six. In fact, Middlesbrough's last visits to Old Trafford ended with a defeat, including a League Cup game back in September of 2008.
Team sheets for Man United vs Middlesbrough
Man Utd's Starting XI: Romero; Darmian, Smalling, Blind, Rojo; Carrick, Fellaini, Pereira; Lingard, Wilson, Memphis.
Middlesbrough's Starting XI: Mejias, Kalas, Ayala, Gibson, Friend, Leadbitter, Stephens, Nsue, Downing, De Pena, Kike.
Man Utd's subs: De Gea, Young, Schweinsteiger, Herrera, Mata, Martial, Rooney.
Middlesbrough's subs: Dimi, Amorebieta, Clayton, Fabbrini, Jackson, Nugent, Zucolini.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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