The failures to win are piling up, league position is dropping, and the pressure to turn things around is mounting. Looking at the table, you’d assume that description only fits Norwich City, but Manchester United are just as much under fire right now. Neither team has won their last few matches, and with pressure mounting, both Louis Van Gaal and Alex Neil need a win in a bad, bad way.
Manchester United vs. Norwich City 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Both teams are in dire need of a win, albeit for very different reasons.
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For Manchester, they’re watching the rest of the top four pull away, and sweating as the teams right behind them in the table start to catch up. Norwich have slipped into the relegation zone, and are desperately hoping to pull their way back out of it. There’s a lot at stake in this match, even with the teams at opposite ends of the table -- and when there’s a lot at stake, that can make for a very highly charged and intense match.
Key player -- Juan Mata (Manchester United)
With Norwich’s struggles in the deeper areas of midfield means that Mata could be set up to have a field day, running wild in front of the Canaries’ defense and wreaking havoc. With Manchester needing a win badly, they need Mata to step up and take charge -- and if he does, they’ll almost certainly get that win considering Norwich’s problems stopping players like him.
Key matchup -- Bastian Schweinsteiger (Manchester United) vs. Wes Hoolahan (Norwich City)
In a season where Norwich has struggled to score goals consistently, Hoolahan has been the one steady presence in their attack. The Irishman is a constant threat on the ball, combining a sky-high work rate and solid creative skills to create most of his team’s chances. Schweinsteiger and his tactical nous will be key in keeping him at bay. His skill in helping push Manchester’s attack can also keep Hoolahan deeper down the pitch tracking back to help his fellow midfielders, which will only further help Manchester’s ability to keep Hoolahan from creating danger.
Manchester United injuries and suspensions
Out: Jesse Lingard, Matteo Darmian, Marcos Rojo, Antonio Valencia, Luke Shaw In doubt: Wayne Rooney, Ashley Young, Chris Smalling, Ander Herrera
Norwich City injuries and suspensions
Out: Andre Wisdom, Matt Jarvis
Match Date/Time: Sat., 10 a.m. ET, 3 p.m. local
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
TV: USA Network (US), Sportsnet regional networks (Canada)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (US), Sportsnet World Now (Canada)
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