By florida 
Woke up to rumors flying about tonight’s big match. Grabbed my coffee, opened my laptop right after breakfast. Knew folks were itching for lineup predictions. My gut said start with Sociedad first since they’re at home.
The Initial Scoop Phase
Hit up the usual spots – club forums, local press blogs from Spain. Refreshed like a maniac waiting for training photos. Saw a blurry pic of some Sociedad players doing drills – midfield shape looked familiar. Thought “Okay, probably sticking with their usual 4-3-3 base.” Silva missing again with that nagging injury… figures.
Checked United side gossip next:
- Mount still out? Yeah, saw the physio report – not happening.
- Rashford rumours all over the place. Is he benched? Is he starting? Bloody confusing.
- Martial supposedly fit? Barely believes it myself.
Scrolled through 3 different “ITK” accounts. Two claimed Rashford dropped. One said he starts. Called it a mess and decided to look deeper.
The Proper Digging
Dragged out my notebook where I track patterns. Sociedad manager rarely changes tactics unless forced. Injuries messing with them though. Looked at their last La Liga game sheet – saw Oyarzabal wide left again. “Yep, he’s nailed on,” I mumbled.
Switched to United news. Ten Hag being stubborn again I bet. Remembered he likes that double pivot. Casemiro alone ain’t working. Figured he’d pair him with McTominay even if fans moan. Antony… after that awful display last time? Probably still starts. Makes me shake my head.
Formation puzzle pieces:
- Sociedad’s backline picks itself with Le Normand fit. Merino anchoring midfield solid.
- United’s defense gives me headaches. Lindelof at left-back last week was rough. Doubt Maguire sits. Varane maybe gets thrown back in?
- Onana keeps his spot obviously. Praying he doesn’t do something silly.
Putting My Guess Out There
Finally sketched my predictions on that digital whiteboard app I use. Screenshot it real quick:
Sociedad (4-3-3): Remiro; Traore, Zubeldia, Le Normand, Tierney; Mendez, Merino, Zubimendi; Kubo, Oyarzabal, Barrenetxea.
United (4-2-3-1): Onana; Dalot, Maguire, Varane, Lindelof; Casemiro, McTominay; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund.
Yep, kept Rashford in. Ten Hag won’t drop him yet. But swapped Martial out for Hojlund starting fresh. Defense? Took a gamble on Varane. Lindelof at LB… cringed typing it. Hope I’m wrong.
Typed it all up proper, added some reasons why I picked those setups. Double-checked injury feeds one last time. No late shocks. Hit publish just after lunch. Crossed my fingers fans wouldn’t tear it apart too much! Already saw comments popping up arguing about Rashford. Took a deep breath. Job done for now.