Wayne Rooney’s Derby County welcome Manchester United in the fifth round of the FA Cup at Pride Park tonight. The Red Devils are unbeaten in their last eight games in all competitions but Rooney will want to spoil the party for his former club. Can Philip Cocu’s side upset the 12 time FA Cup winners? Here’s the Big Game Focus. Bet on the game here.
Wayne Rooney lining up to face his former club has dominated the pre-match talk ahead of the Red Devils’ FA Cup fifth-round tie with Derby County tonight. The 34-year-old has performed well in midfield for the Championship side since his arrival and will be raring to take on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.
The Red Devils registered a convincing 6-0 victory over Tranmere Rovers in the fourth round but will face a much tougher game against the Rams. Solskjaer’s men are unbeaten in their last eight matches in all competitions and are obvious favourites against the side currently sitting 13th in the Championship table. Can they extend their unbeaten run?
Betting preview
United have won three of their last five away matches in all competitions, including wins at Manchester City and Chelsea. The Red Devils have also beaten the Rams in five of their last seven meetings. United’s quality and form gives them the upper hand here. You can back a Manchester United Win at odds of 1.55.
Four of the last seven meetings between these two have seen both teams find the net. Both Teams to Score has won in Derby’s last five games in all competitions. United have scored in their last five away games in all competitions, while Derby have scored in 14 of their last 15 home matches. Therefore, you can back Both Teams to Score at odds of 1.75.
Four of the last seven meetings between these two sides have seen three or more goals scored. Four of Derby’s last six games have seen Over 2.5 Goals. For that reason, you can back Over 2.5 Goals in this encounter at odds of 1.70.
Team news
The Rams are likely to be without midfielders Tom Huddlestone and Duane Holmes, while Krystian Bielik is also sidelined. Ikechi Anya has only just recovered from his calf problem and will be a doubt for the hosts.
Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford are out for this match. Defensive pair Axel Tuanzebe and Timothy Fosu-Mensah are building up their fitness and this match will come too soon for them.
Possible line-ups
Derby County: Hamer, Bogle, Davies, Clarke, Forsyth, Bird, Shinnie, Lawrence, Rooney, Knight, Martin
Manchester United: Romero, Dalot, Bailly, Maguire, Williams, McTominay, Fred, Lingard, Mata, Greenwood, Ighalo