Manchester United will be in uncharted territory on Saturday, for they travel to the John Smith’s Stadium for the first time to take on Premier League newcomers Huddersfield Town.
The Red Devils know nothing less than a win will do but considering the Terriers’ home form this season, that’s easier said than done.
Both sides are under pressure coming into the clash, albeit for different reasons. United cannot afford to drop points and cede ground to leaders Manchester City in the title-race, while Huddersfield are winless in their last eight competitive games.
United have the edge, for despite injuries to key personnel, possess enough quality to secure the win but expect David Wagner’s men to make life difficult for them.
Huddersfield Town
After an excellent start, the Terriers have been brought down to earth in recent weeks.
What’s going wrong? A slew of injuries have disrupted their rhythm going forward as they have struggled to score.
Record signing Steve Mounie’s heel injury has seen them short of attacking options up top and their side has suffered greatly as a result.
Their lack of goals has proved telling as their normally reliable defence has succumbed under sustained pressure. Against United, the hosts cannot afford to shut up shop from the go and will have to find out a way to hit the Red Devils on the counter.
Considering the fact that United have kept seven clean sheets in eight games, that’s an onerous task like no other and David Wagner will have to think out of the box to outwit Jose Mourinho.
Talking Corner: I am full of confidence and have every trust and belief in the group because we know what we have to do to be successful-Huddersfield Town manager David Wagner (The Huddersfield Daily Examiner)
Injury concerns: Michael Hefele (Achilles), Jon Gorenc-Stankovic (knee), Philip Billing (ankle), Kasey Palmer (hamstring), Steve Mounie (heel) and Collin Quaner (calf).
Suspension Alert: None
Manchester United
Jose Mourinho’s United succeeded in securing a point against Liverpool last week, but they will know another blank could derail their title charge.
Romelu Lukaku was devoid of quality service at Anfield and the Belgian striker’s teammates will have to play a little expressively if they expect him to fire again.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s downturn in form has been a bit alarming to witness and Mourinho will seek to motivate the hardworking Armenian to get back to his creative best. Huddersfield are a well-organised unit and Mkhitaryan will seek to unlock their defence with his craft.
With Marcus Rashford an injury doubt, Anthony Martial is expected to start on the left flank and the rapid Frenchman will seek to wreak havoc as he cuts in from the wing and supplies his teammate with a ball or opts to go solo.
Talking Corner: Jose Mourinho is a brand, and the best coach I’ve ever worked with. Sometimes it isn’t easy to work with him, because he always demands more-Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic (ESPN via Elevate)
Injury concerns: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (knee), Marcos Rojo (knee) Paul Pogba (hamstring), Marouane Fellaini (knee), Michael Carrick (calf), Marcus Rashford (knee) and Eric Bailly (knock).
Suspension Alert: None