Derby vs. Manchester United: Team News, Predicted Lineups, Live Stream, TV Info

Derby County vs. Manchester United has become a huge game for embattled Old Trafford boss Louis van Gaal. He has expressed concerns over the consequences of a loss here.

A loss would be an embarrassing result, especially given the Rams' wretched form of late in the Championship.

Derby head coach Paul Clement will be hoping the FA Cup provides the same kind of tonic it did against Hartlepool United in the third round.

That game was their only win since they beat Fulham 2-0 on 26 December, since when they have drawn with Leeds United and Reading and lost to Middlesbrough, Birmingham City and Burnley. 

In spite of that, their early season form means they are still in the play-off positions—they sit in fifth place in the Championship.

However, given their last two games were a 3-0 loss to Birmingham and a 4-1 loss to Burnley, even a struggling United really should see their way through this one.

Date: Friday, January 29, 2015

Time: 7:55 p.m. GMT/12:55 p.m. ET

Venue: The iPro Stadium, Derby, England

TV Info: BBC One (UK Only) / Fox Sports 1 (U.S. only)

Live Stream: BBC iPlayer (UK Only) / Fox Soccer 2 Go (U.S. only)

Form Lines

Derby County: DLWDLL

Manchester United: DWWDWL

Team News

For Derby, per BBC Sport, "Clement has no fresh injury concerns. Long-term absentees Max Lowe, Craig Forsyth and Will Hughes remain unavailable."

For United, Van Gaal told MUTV (h/t the club's official website) that his side's injury position remained similar to the situation ahead of the Southampton game, saying:

"

It’s more or less the same. [Matteo] Darmian is now out and maybe Michael Carrick shall come in but of course he’s not able to play 90 minutes. But it’s very good he is coming back. With Darmian, it is very positive actually. It’s not too severe but he’s not able to play against Derby.

"

Van Gaal offered no timeline for Bastian Schweinsteiger's return, and United's website confirmed that "Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw, Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young are still absent with long-term injuries."

Predicted Lineups

Assuming Clement opts for a 4-3-3 formation, the above lineup seems a reasonable guess at his selection, though Nick Blackman has featured plenty since his move from Reading earlier in January.

With Derby having struggled in their past two games, though, a front three of the above could be a sensible option. 

After an unnecessary and ineffective switch to a back-three against Southampton, Van Gaal should ensure more normal service is resumed by reverting to a 4-2-3-1.

Juan Mata really should come in for Marouane Fellani, who has had two poor games in a row for the Red Devils. Ander Herrera could drop into a deep-lying midfield role. 

The right-back position is a bit of a guess, and Paddy McNair could easily feature ahead of Guillermo Varela. Also, Van Gaal could play a back three, with Jesse Lingard at wing-back, but it is hard to see that as anything other than a mistake. 

The other player not listed above who could have a shot at some first-team action is Adnan Januzaj—he could be preferred to Lingard.

Players to Watch

Chris Martin has been Derby's star striker this season with nine goals and five assists in the Championship. Tom Ince's eight goals and three assists mean he has also offered a decent return. With an average of 2.2 key passes per league game, Ince is Derby's most potent creative threat.

With Wayne Rooney's form having dropped off significantly against Southampton, where his recent goalscoring run came to an inglorious end, United may have to look elsewhere for inspiration. 

Ander Herrera was probably United's least-worst attacking player against the Saints, and the Red Devils could really do with him bringing some increased end product to his lively and active style. That was not a problem last season, but he has been unable to make as telling an impact so far this term.

This could be a big game for Herrera as he looks for something akin to his spectacular goal at Yeovil Town last season.

Key Battle

If United are unable to control the game, then Ince's battle with Cameron Borthwick-Jackson could be crucial.

The United academy graduate will have his hands full with the former Hull City man, especially if he is playing as a wing-back rather than an out-and-out full back.

With Ince's capacity to generate chances for his side, Borthwick-Jackson will have to be at his best.

Odds

Derby County: 3-1

Draw: 5-2

Manchester United: 19-20

Odds for the game correct at the time of writing, per Odds Shark.

Statistics courtesy of WhoScored.com.