Cardiff City v Manchester United- Preview and possible lineups

TEAM NEWS:

Cardiff City: 

Perennial underdogs, the fact that the majority of the build up for this tie has been focused on their opponents, should suit Cardiff nicely. After an expected rocky start to the season, in which they have been widely tipped to automatically return to the second tier, the 'Bluedbirds' have battled back to get out of the relegation zone. Warnock's side now sit two points, and more importantly, two places above the bottom three. 

It is their rejuvenated home form that has helped Cardiff mount their challenge to escape the drop; 13 of their total 14 points have been earned back in Wales. Therefore, although their opponents may come out fighting on Saturday, Cardiff will back themselves to grind out a shock result.

With regards to team news, Joe Bennet and Greg Cunningham face late fitness tests to feature in this match, while defender Jazz Richards continues to be sidelined with a hamstring problem.

Manchester United: 

Clearly the biggest talking point heading into this game, and across the continent in general, is the sacking of Jose Mourinho on Tuesday. Having overseen United's worst start to a domestic campaign in the Premier League era; the mounting problems became too much for the club's board, who relieved the Portuguese of his duties, and temporarily replaced him with fan favourite Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. 

In terms of league form, United have only won one of their last six matches, having lost twice and drawn three times. And, despite a change of coach, the 'Red Devils' recent history against promoted clubs could mean their woes continue on Saturday. United have lost their last three Premier League away matches to promoted opposition. To boot, United have only won one point in their last four away matches in all competitions. 

Nevertheless, the introduction of new interim boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer; whose managerial style is vastly different to that of his predecessor, could prove a masterstroke both in the dressing room and on the playing field.

Regarding casualties for this away trip; forwards Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku are absent, but Anthony Martial should be fit to start. In defence; Marcos Rojo, Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw face late fitness tests in order to feature. 

PRE-MATCH MUSINGS...

Neil Warnock on form and festive fixtures: 

“It would be lovely to be outside the bottom three for Christmas. We’re disappointed we haven’t got a few more points, but it’s not for the lack of trying - we’ve just got to keep going. Anything can happen, and I think we can get a result at home against anybody."

"I will enjoy going back to Palace on Boxing Day, I’ve got some good friends there and it will be a great occasion, and then we go to Leicester after that before Spurs on New Year’s Day. It’s a great number of fixtures for us and for our fans to enjoy.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on United dream and task ahead:

"Manchester United is in my heart and it’s brilliant to be coming back in this role. I’m really looking forward to working with the very talented squad we have, the staff and everyone at the club."

"We need results but, then again, every player needs to know that they're probably going to get their chance in this period, because that's just the nature of the game over here in England, that we have to rotate. The job now is to get to know the players, observe them, see the qualities that we've got."

FORM GUIDE:

DID YOU KNOW?

Cardiff have not beaten United in 58 years; their last victory over the 'Red Devils' came in Division One in 1960. 

In fact, since Cardiff last beat United, there have only been two draws in seven encounters played, with the Old Trafford side taking victories in the remaining five games. 

The last time these two clubs faced off, United triumphed 2-0 at Old Trafford, thanks to goals from Robin van Persie and Ashley Young.

POSSIBLE LINEUPS:

Cardiff City: Etheridge; Ecuele Manga, Morrison, Bamba, Peltier; Hoilett, Camarasa, Gunnarsson, Arter, Murphy; Reid

Manchester United: De Gea; Valencia, Bailly, Lindelof, Shaw; Fred, Matic, Pogba; Lingard, Lukaku, Martial