Prediction: Manchester United win
Best Odds: bet365
Bookmaker: 1/2
The FA Cup rolls on and while it may feel unusual to see a series of matches in the competition take place midweek as opposed to at the weekend, the stakes are equally as high as they’ve always been. Tomorrow night the field of eight teams that will compete in the quarter-finals of this year’s competition will be completed, as Derby County attempt to cause an upset when they host Manchester United.
Derby
The big storyline surrounding this game has been Wayne Rooney as of late, which makes sense, given that he’ll be going up against the club that helped turn him into the player we see today. The Rams don’t really seem to have anything to lose at this stage of their campaign, because while they’re still somewhat in the hunt for a place in the play-offs, the attention appears to have turned towards next season regarding their promotion hopes. In the FA Cup, though, they’ve got everything to play for, and they’ll be eager to prove that.
Team News
Huddlestone, Holmes and Bielik have all been ruled out through injury with Hepburn-Murphy being ineligible, whereas Martin is hoping to start alongside Rooney.
Manchester United
While United have been on a decent enough run of form across the last few weeks, there are still some questions floating in the air when it comes to figuring out what their level really is. They’ve been pushing hard in the race for the top four but with that not being a certainty, Ole will be eager to add either the FA Cup or Europa League to his CV this season. Whether or not he can cope with the pressure of being overwhelming favourites here, though, is a different matter altogether.
Team News
Pereira, Lingard and Dalot are all being tipped to feature with Wan-Bissaka, James, Fosu-Mensah and Tuanzebe all being doubtful despite being on the verge of full fitness.
Factors to Consider
- In their last meeting back in 2018, Derby knocked Manchester United out of the League Cup on penalties.
- Derby have won two, drawn two and lost two of their last six games.
- Man United have won three and drawn three of their last six games.
- Derby have scored 11 goals and conceded 10 in their last six games.
- Man United have scored 12 goals and conceded two in their last six games.
Conclusion
Derby will have every intention of coming straight at United in order to really test them at the back, but you have to question whether or not that’s a strategy that’s going to pay off for them. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will know the benefit of winning a piece of silverware like this during a season that has been full of ups and downs, and we think he’ll put out a pretty strong team as a result of that. It won’t be a one-sided massacre, but we do think the Red Devils will come away with a place in the quarter-finals.
Prediction: Manchester United win
Best Odds: bet365
Bookmaker: 1/2
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