Manchester United Preview: Predicting the Line-Up vs Bolton

Manchester United host Bolton Wanderers this weekend, off the back of their shaky 3-2 win over Man City in the FA Cup third round.

United's last two games in the EPL have resulted in losses to lesser opponents, including 3-2 to Blackburn and 3-0 to Newcastle.

Let's take a look at the likely lineup for this weekend's game.

GK: David De Gea

It almost seems that this decision could be decided upon the flip of a coin. No one can judge which way Fergie is going to go each game, which isn't proving reassuring for the United supporters. To minimise disruption amongst the defence, SAF should be playing one 'keeper in the league and one in cup games.

Lindegaard's spills at the weekend could give DDG the edge this weekend, and a home game with Bolton could be a great way for the young Spaniard to build his confidence.

RB: Rafael

The young Brazilian became Manchester United's first choice right back by default last season following Gary Neville's injury/retirement, but he has been sidelined for much of this season so far thanks to an injury of his own.

Starting against Bolton could be a great way to help him back on his way to full match fitness.

CB: Phil Jones

Despite the 19-year-old defender making a costly mistake in his last EPL game, expect Jones to line up against the Trotters. He's shown a lot of heart this season for United, which has not gone ignored by SAF.

CB: Rio Ferdinand

Despite lacklustre performances this season, Ferdinand is likely to retain his place in United's starting lineup. It was evident on Sunday that there was lack of management amongst the defence, and Rio is likely to take this role on himself. His main task will be keeping the ever-exciteable Phil Jones in check, ensuring that the youngster remains responsible in his defensive duties, as well as bombing forward for attacking plays.

LB: Patrice Evra

Again, another player whose place in the first team is fairly safe despite lacklustre performances. The stand-in captain has no competition for his place in the team with Fabio out injured, so will undoubtedly be one of the first names of Saturday's team sheet. 

RM: Antonio Valencia

Slowly establishing himself as an important cog in SAF's midfield, "Tony-V" is likely to reprise his role on the right wing against Bolton. He caused City's defence a lot of problems last Sunday and will probably continue to do the same this weekend. Ashley Young could have some real issues getting back into the team if Valencia has anything to say about it.

CM: Michael Carrick

"Marmite" Carrick has put in a string of solid performances this season, and his space in the team seems like it will remain unchallenged despite the re-emergence of Paul Scholes. Love him or hate him, Carrick has been one of the team's top performers this season.

CM: Park Ji-Sung

It's a close toss up between Park and Anderson as to who will take the second spot in midfield, but I think it will be Park that gets the nod. Park was an unused sub on Sunday, and United could have used his pace in the second half to keep up the pressure from the first half.  

LM: Nani

Nani's creativity was kept to a minimum on Sunday thanks to Micah Richards' overbearing presence. He's not had a great couple of games, but United need his speed up the left flank. Potentially he can give Gretar Steinsson a nightmare on Saturday. 

FW: Wayne Rooney

Despite his recent run-ins with the press and the gaffer, he's still the first name on the team sheet. Expect him to play a similar role to which he did on Sunday, just behind a lone striker.

ST: Danny Welbeck

Welbeck really staked his claim for a first team place against City and looks a good bet to start ahead of Chicarito this weekend. His goal against the Citizens showed superb awareness, and he will be looking to add to his tally on Saturday. He will probably keep Manchester United Player of the Month Dimitar Berbatov on the bench. 

Bench: Lindegaard, Smalling, Evans, Anderson, Scholes, Hernandez, Berbatov