Manchester United vs. Cardiff City: Date, Time, Live Stream and Preview
Manchester United will try to get their Old Trafford mojo back when they host Cardiff City on Jan. 28 for a Premier League clash.
The Red Devils have managed to win their last two home matches with a 2-1 win over Sunderland in the FA Cup and a 2-0 triumph over Swansea City in league play.
Prior to that, however, the defending Premier League champions had lost their previous two home matches and four of their last six.
Although it takes a moment to grasp that the Red Devils sit seventh in the EPL table, it is nearly impossible to wrap the brain around the fact that this club has been so abysmal on their hallowed grounds.
Of course, Cardiff would love to have "struggles" such as Manchester United. They are toiling in the cellar with just 18 points on the league year.
If the Red Devils fail to pick up three points at home against Cardiff, it may just be time to give up on the rest of the season.
Check out the vitals for this matchup and then we'll continue the preview.
When: Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 2:45 p.m. ET/7:45 p.m. GMT
Where: Old Trafford, Manchester, United Kingdom
Live Stream: NBC Sports Live Extra
Odds (via Bovada)
Manchester United: -400
Draw: +450
Cardiff City: +1400
Key Storyline: The debut of Juan Mata
The Red Devils didn't wait for the summer to bring in needed improvements. They went out and landed Spaniard Juan Mata from Chelsea.
Manager David Moyes seems beside himself over his new addition:
Of course, he should be. Moyes has been working with an incomplete line-up that features two stars who haven't been able to stay on the pitch.
On top of that, the Red Devils have desperately needed a midfielder with the kind of creativity that Mata features.
Given the need for Mata's spark, it should be no surprise that Moyes is not planning on wasting any time getting his new toy on the pitch:
On top of Mata, the Red Devils are in line to get all kinds of talent boosts for this match:
The potential firepower of this trio is frightening. It will take some time and health for these three to jell, but I expect flashes of brilliance the moment they all play together.
There aren't going to be any excuses left for Moyes and the Red Devils now.
Prediction: Manchester United 3, Cardiff City 0
Cardiff City have to be lamenting the timing of their trip to Old Trafford. The Red Devils had been slogging through a terrible stretch of play. Now, they've had some improved results and are about to get healthy and add Juan Mata.
Cardiff City will be overwhelmed from the start.
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