Verdict: HT/FT Home win
Best Odds: 4/7
Bookmaker: Bet365
Having seen their impressive 17-match unbeaten run come to an and at Hull in the League Cup, Manchester United prepare for the FA Cup challenge against Wigan keen to make a swift return to winning ways.
Manchester United
Following the early-season criticism, Jose Mourinho finally managed to establish a fine rhythm and lead his team to record a remarkable run of 17 matches without a defeat in all competitions, with the last defeat coming back in November 2011, when Red Devils suffered a 2-1 blow to Fenerbahce in the Europa League. The impressive run came to a halt during the week, unfortunately, as Manchester United were stunned to a 2-1 defeat, which ultimately had no effect on their place in the finals. Mourinho’s men have recorded an aggregate win of 3-2 and will fight for glory at Wembley against Southampton towards the end of February. Given the fact his team is playing the second Cup game in just a couple of days, Jose Mourinho is ready to ring some changes to his line-up in order to rest a couple of first-team members ahead of the Premier League challenges that await.
Team News
David de Gea is likely to be given a day off with Sergio Romero ready to take over in goal, once again in the FA Cup.
Marcus Rashford could be given a starting berth in Manchester United attack, whereas defender Eric Bailly is ready to make himself available following an early return from the Africa Cup of Nations.
Wigan
It has not been a particularly successful season for Wigan thus far, as the Championship side is sitting deep down in the standings, level on points with two teams currently occupying the places within the dropping zone. Wigan are likely to be dragged in the relegation fight together with Burton and Blackburn to the very end, despite the fact Warren Joyce’s men have shown signs of improvement over the last couple of weeks. Latics head out to Old Trafford on the back of a three-match winning streak which is a first of its kind this season. Wigan’s 2-0 FA Cup win over Nottingham was followed by the same margin triumph at Burton in the Championship, whereas another win was recorded last time out when Joyce’s men dispatched Brentford at home 2-1. Wigan Athletic have lost four encounters with Manchester United and there is little hope the Latics will be able to stun the Old Trafford outfit on Sunday. Fa Cup is a specific kind of a competition and Wigan will nevertheless keep their hopes high until the very end.
Team News
Wigan’s January signings, Marcus Browne and Ryan Tunnicliffe could be awarded their debuts against Manchester United after both men spent the last match on the bench. The latest squad addition Jamie Hanson could also be involved.
Yanic Wildschut is not expected to return from injury just yet and David Perkins is expected to continue to deputise.
Key Factors to Consider
- Manchester United’s 17-match unbeaten run ended at Hull
- Wigan are on a three-match winning run in all competitions
- Latics lost last four meetings with Manchester United
- Wigan have never won at Old Trafford before
- Manchester United lost only one home game this season
Conclusion
Jose Mourinho will shuffle his deck a bit against Wigan Athletic, but the Red Devils are still a much more quality side than Latics and their win should be placed under doubt. Manchester United want to do well in the FA Cup and they will also be looking to make amends for the loss at Hull in the EFL Cup.
Verdict: HT/FT Home win
Best Odds: 4/7
Bookmaker: Bet365
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