Robin Van Persie has scored just twice in seven appearances for Manchester United this season and the debate as to whether he should continue in the first-team is gathering pace following a string of indifferent performances.
With Sunday's crunch game against league leaders Chelsea before a trip to rivals Manchester City next weekend, boss Louis Van Gaal has a major decision to make and talkSPORT analyses whether the Red Devils are better with or without the Dutch striker.
Possible United line-up against Chelsea with Van Persie:
Since starting against Sunderland in the second game of the season,Van Persie has been in all six of Van Gaal's league line-ups that have followed.
The Dutchman's record at Old Trafford is second to none with 40 league goals in 60 appearances, and he has scored in three of his last six games for club and country.
Van Persie has operated as part of a front two for the majority of the season, with either Wayne Rooney or Radamel Falcao partnering the former Arsenal man.
However, against West Brom the Dutchman operated as a lone striker, likely in preparation for the Chelsea game and the need for an extra body in midfield to combat the Blues' strength in the middle of the park.
There have been suggestions in some quarters that Van Persie has lost some of his desire, but Premier League data shows he covered 10.93 kilometres against the Baggies, with only Daley Blind and Luke Shaw managing more in a United shirt.
If Van Gaal continues to start with his former Netherlands captain against Chelsea, expect Van Persie to continue in a lone role with possible recalls for Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellani.
Carrick has been a big miss so far this season and his return alongside Daley Blind could help restore some control in United's midfield and shield their shaky defence.
Fellani has endured a torrid first year at Old Trafford, but after his first goal for the club at the Hawthorns, the Belgian could replace Ander Herrera who still looks to be struggling with a broken rib, and Fellani's addition would add strength and athleticism to compete with Chelsea's Nemanja Matic.
United line-up without Van Persie:
Despite Van Persie's quality and goal record the Dutchman is struggling for form and for the last 18 months he has done little of note and looks a shadow of the player who was instrumental in guiding the club to its 20th league title in his first season.
While there is no denying his talent and his goal record at the Theatre of Dreams is phenomenal, the Dutchman has lacked sharpness this season and his influence in games is on the wane.
Playing two up front may not have helped either. Van Persie was critical of his team-mates last season saying they ran into his zones, and alongside Falcao, the pair tend to make similar runs having operated as lone strikers for the majority of their careers.
Falcao is the perfect replacement for the Dutchman and to possibly lead United's frontline long-term.
While the Colombian is still rediscovering his best form after returning from a knee injury that ended his World Cup dreams, Falcao is one of the world's most feared marksman, and his movement and runs could help free space for the likes of Di Maria and Mata to threaten Chelsea's backline.
Now might be the best time for Van Gaal to drop Van Persie, enabling his compatriot to find his best form and it will be interesting to see how the former Bayern Munich coach lines-up when Wayne Rooney returns next week following his suspension.
United fans, do you think Van Persie deserves his place in the first-team? Would you drop him to the bench? Comment below...
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