FA Cup 2022-23: Manchester United vs Reading: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head

The fourth round of the FA cup sees a high-flying Manchester United take on Reading FC at Old Trafford.

Manchester United have had a revolutionary season so far. Their rampant struggles over the years are finally being solved under Ten Hag, and United are experiencing a high which reminds them of the old days.

United have advanced to this stage of the competition after an impressive triumph against the Toffees in the 3rd round, and are currently in a great run of form after defeating Nottingham Forest 3-0 away from home.

Reading are currently 14th in the EFL Championship. A recent run of extremely poor performances sees Paul Ince’s men in a dire state after a pretty impressive start to the season.

Since beating Watford in the FA Cup third round three weeks ago, Reading have failed to win their last two Championship games and have conceded six goals in the process, with full-time scores of 2-2 and 0-4 against QPR and Stoke City.

Amidst this spree of poor form, The Royals face Man United, at the Theatre of Dreams for a place in the next round of the FA Cup.

Kick-off: Sunday, 29th January, 01:30 am (IST); Saturday, 27th January, 08:00 pm: (GMT),

Manchester United form (all competition): W-L-D-W-W

Reading FC form (all competition): L-D-W-L-D

Player to watch

Manchester United

Alejandro Garnacho

With Ten Hag set to rest a number of first-team players against United, it is almost certain that 18-year-old Alejandro Garnacho will get to start for the Red Devils. Garnacho has been exceedingly impressive this season and has cemented his place in the hearts of Man United fans, with his name often heard within the walls of Old Trafford.

Garnacho has three goal contributions this season and has been in fine form lately. His presence against Reading will be crucial, and the Argentine can very well prove to be decisive.

Reading FC

Tom McIntyre

McIntyre is having a fabulous 2022-23 season with Reading. The 24-year-old has been solid at the back for the ‘Biscuitmen’. With a 79% successful tackle rate and solid positioning, Reading will be very much relying on Tom in their hunt for a famous win under the lights of The Theatre of Dreams.

Match facts

• The Red Devils have progressed from nine of their last 10 FA Cup ties against Reading.
• Reading have won just one of their 22 matches against Manchester United in all competitions and have lost their past six in a row.
• Rashford has five direct goal contributions in his last five FA Cup appearances.

Injury and team news

For United,  Axel Tuanzebe and Jadon Sancho have both returned to training, but are unlikely to feature in the squad. Luke Shaw, Anthony Martial and Diogo Dalot also remain doubtful for Saturday’s clash. With Ten Hag expected to rest a number of first-team stars, young guns like Garnacho, Elanga and Pellistri can feature for the Red Devils.

For the visitors, Andy Carroll, Naby Sarr, Sam Hutchinson and Liam Moore are all sidelined due to injury, while Ovie Ejaria is set to remain away from the first-team fold, after a disciplinary issue.

Head-to-Head stats

Matches: 22

Manchester United: 14

Draws: 7

Reading: 1

Predicted lineup

Manchester United predicted lineup (4-3-3):

De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Malacia; McTominay, Fred, Eriksen; Elanga, Weghorst, Garnacho

Reading predicted lineup (3-5-2):

Lumley; Yiadom, Holmes, McIntyre; Hoilett, Hendrick, Fornah, Loum, Baba; Ince, Joao

Prediction

Manchester United will impose their authority on the game from the very start, and despite Reading’s best efforts, the Royals won’t be able to pose any problems for United, who will claim an easy win, and advance to the next round of the competition.

Prediction:  Manchester United 3-0 Reading

Where to Watch?

India - Sony Liv

UK - BBC Sport and ITC Sport.

USA - ESPN

Nigeria - SuperSport.com