After a confidence boosting performance against Tottenham in the Capital One Cup, it doesn’t get any easier as we go to Old Trafford to clash with fellow semi-finalists Manchester United. To get anything out of this game we need some repeat performances from the tie at White Hart Lane, albeit from a (probable) different look side, particularly from Maiga who will sure take the berth up top after nodding home the winner against our rivals.

While it will be tough to get anything I certainly don’t think it is a full gone conclusion, with RVP definitely out and Rooney a probable absence Moyes goes into this game without his two most influential attacking players. The obvious weakness in the Man United team is the strength of their midfield and our obvious strength is our midfield… if we  frustrate them and try and take control of the middle third we can pick up a positive result. Having said that, we will only do so if the likes of Diame, Morrison and Noble all perform like we know they can.

Just one more point, I think Matty Taylor‘s performance merits a place in the team. While I have been against it most of the time this season I think that playing Diame out wide and slotting Taylor inside next to Noble could be a good move, as the former Bolton man will be full of confidence after Wednesday night.  Diame also looked very dangerous out wide when he came on in the cup driving into the box and creating opportunities. Whoever plays one thing is for sure, we need to play like we did in the second half against Tottenham to have any chance of getting a result at Old Trafford!

Prediction: I expect it to be closer than people may think but unfortunately can’t see us picking up points, if we go out with the right attitude you never know. Full of confidence after Wednesday and with Maiga finally scoring, lets hope the goals start flowing for the Mali striker. COYI