Manchester United are virtually guaranteed to book their place into the second round of this season’s Champions League prior to facing CSKA Moscow at Old Trafford this evening.
Provided we don’t lose by seven goals we will finish top of our group ahead of Monday’s draw.
Here is the lineup I think Jose Mourinho will put out for the game:
Goalkeeper: Sergio Romero
The boss has already confirmed that David de Gea will be given a well-earned rest following his immense performance versus Arsenal on Saturday where he made 14 saves, so Sergio Romero will be back between the posts to play in the Champions League for a second time this season.
Defence: Victor Lindelof, Marcos Rojo, Daley Blind
Phil Jones and Eric Bailly are expected to miss this game through injury once again but Mourinho does have a couple of players that he can rotate into the back three. Marcos Rojo has only recently recovered from a long-term injury so I expect the Argentine to get some playing time under his belt in this one. Daley Blind hasn’t featured too much of late so I expect him to feature in some form or another. I think he’ll play on the left of the defence but could also play at left wingback. Victor Lindelof is in good form of late and I think the Swede will be kept in to get more experience under his belt before this weekend’s derby.
Midfield: Matteo Darmian, Scott McTominay, Paul Pogba, Luke Shaw
Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young will certainly be rested for the weekend’s huge match so this evening’s game represents an opportunity for Matteo Darmian to come in at right wingback, and for Mourinho to hand a rare start to be Luke Shaw. Youngster Scott McTominay will see more game time in the middle of the park with Nemanja Matic being saved for Sunday. The boss may want to give Ander Herrera a rest here in case he’s needed at the weekend with Marouane Fellaini and Michael Carrick also out. As Paul Pogba’s got a domestic suspension he’ll definitely face the Russian outfit.
Attack: Juan Mata, Marcus Rashford, Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Disappointing news that Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been ruled out with muscle fatigue means that Marcus Rashford should come in up front with Anthony Martial expected to start against Manchester City. Juan Mata has lost his place to Jesse Lingard in the Premier League of late so the Spaniard is expected to start this one. Henrikh Mkhitaryan has completely lost his form so should be given an opportunity down the left this evening to try rekindle it.
Here is how I think United will line up:
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