Manchester United look to return to winning ways as Ralf Rangnick’s Red Devils host Norwich City at Old Trafford.
Victory could see Utd climb as high as fifth if Arsenal lose elsewhere, whereas Norwich can move off the foot of the table with a win if Watford lose elsewhere.
Team News
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to be available for Man Utd after recovering from a shin injury suffered in last weekend’s defeat at Everton.
Luke Shaw (leg), Raphael Varane (muscle), Scott McTominay (foot), Fred (hip), Edinson Cavani (calf) and Mason Greenwood (personal) remain absent.
Norwich could be without Przemyslaw Placheta as he continues to recover from an ankle sprain which has forced him to sit out their last two matches.
Billy Gilmour (Coronavirus) could return but Brandon Williams is ineligible to face his parent club and will therefore miss this match.
Josh Sargent (ankle), Ozan Kabak (hamstring), Andrew Omobamidele (back) and Adam Idah (knee) remain absent.
Stat Attack
- Man Utd have won seven of their last eight league meetings against Norwich (W7, D1).
- Norwich have won just one of nine previous league visits to Old Trafford (W1, D1, L7).
- None of the last 15 league meetings between United and Norwich have finished in a draw, with Utd winning 12 clashes to Norwich’s three victories since a 2-2 draw in December 1993.
- All six of Utd’s headed league goals this season have come from six different players (Bruno Fernandes, Cristiano Ronaldo, Anthony Elanga, Harry Maguire, Donny van de Beek and Raphael Varane).
- No team has scored less goals inside the box this season than Norwich, with 17 of their 20 league goals scored inside the box.
Prediction
With a top-four finish drifting further away from Utd especially after a toothless attacking display with little intensity in their defeat at Everton, Ralf Rangnick need to force a huge reaction from his players if they’re to realistically fight for even fifth place.
Norwich meanwhile look likely to be relegated but they can take heart from their clinical win against Burnley because they showed excellent energy in their attacking movement, whilst also maximising gaps on the flanks and pressing well to close gaps.
It however is important that Norwich build on that victory by delivering another strong performance at Old Trafford, especially if United are still lacklustre but I do expect a reaction from the hosts but their finishing will be the ideal aspect for Norwich to target and close down defensively.
Prediction: Manchester United 1-1 Norwich
Result: Manchester United 3-2 Norwich
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