Though we have been unbeaten in the Premier League since the 0-4 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge we have made the sixth position our new abode until a reshuffle that now handled the position to the new occupant Arsenal occurred.
We had spent over 150 days in the sixth place on the league standings before moving up to the fifth thanks to our 3-0 win over Middlesbrough and Arsenal 3-1 loss to West Brom – the same opponent we face this weekend.
Currently we face the dilemma of a congested schedule in April and the absence of our star players due to suspensions and injuries has not in any way helped the situation but rather compound it a little.
Our April fixtures are seven league games thanks to the postponement of some matches, including matches against Chelsea and Man City, and double-legged semi-final Europa League against Anderlecht.
After winning the EFL Cup and being dumped out of the FA Cup we are faced with priority of securing a place in next season Champions League either via the Premier League or winning the Europa league, and with the latest incidences none should be treated with levity.
Both Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ander Herrera remained suspended for this weekend game as they serve the last of their three-match and two –match bank respectively. Likewise injuries to Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and now Maroune Fellaini while on international duties have ruled them out of the match.
Wayne Rooney may be dragged back into the first team to ease some burden while Ibrahimovic and Herrera are expected back after their suspensions, Paul Pogba should be back midway and played some roles.
The congested fixtures in the league might make qualification via that channel a little difficult, concentration should therefore be shifted to the Europa league to secure a place in the champions league next season.