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4-2-3-1: Man Utd predicted XI to face Spurs

Manchester United will be looking to book our place in an FA Cup final for the second time in three seasons when we take on Tottenham Hotspur at their temporary home of Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side have had 24 hours additional rest since their 1-1 draw at Brighton & Hove Albion on Tuesday night as we were in action at Bournemouth 24 hours later.  However, Jose Mourinho rotated seven players from last weekend’s game to keep the team fresh.

Here is the team I think we’ll send out for our FA Cup semi-final:

Goalkeeper: David de Gea
The Spaniard started midweek and will be certain to keep his place in the starting XI this weekend given that he is arguably the best goalkeeper in the world right now.

Defence: Antonio Valencia, Eric Bailly, Chris Smalling, Ashley Young
Antonio Valencia was rested midweek and the boss hinted after the game that the captain is going to start this one.  Eric Bailly has been left out of our last two games but provided he’s fit I expect him to face Tottenham.  Phil Jones put in a good performance midweek but two games in a few days may be too much given that he’s only just back from injury, so Chris Smalling starts.  Ashley Young was given a rest midweek but I expect him back in the starting XI to go up against Heung-min Son or Erik Lamela.

Midfield: Nemanja Matic, Ander Herrera; Jesse Lingard, Paul Pogba, Alexis Sanchez
Nemanja Matic only played a cameo substitute role midweek so he’ll be fresh to start this one.  I think Ander Herrera’s hard work off the ball and his ability to maintain it in possession will give him the nod ahead of Scott McTominay and Maruoane Fellaini to partner the Serbian in front of the back four.  Paul Pogba responded to criticism with an excellent display at Bournemouth so shall start in the number 10 role at Wembley.  Jesse Lingard’s workrate off the ball should get him the nod ahead of Juan Mata, whilst Alexis Sanchez was left out midweek to be fresh for this one.

Striker: Romelu Lukaku
Our Belgian striker came on as a substitute to score at the Vitality Stadium midweek and despite Marcus Rashford being more of a goal threat in the opening hour of that game than Romelu Lukaku has been of late, I can’t see Jose switching away from his regular choice in this one.

Here is how I see us lining up: