Manchester United host Real Betis in the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie tonight.
The Red Devils recently suffered an embarrassing 7-0 loss to Liverpool in the Premier League and manager Erik ten Hag will be expecting a strong response at Old Trafford.
The Dutch tactician could make multiple changes to the starting line-up on the back of the Anfield humbling. In our opinion, at least four players could be dropped to the bench.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Line-up:
David de Gea had a dismal outing at Anfield but prior to that, the Spaniard was in sublime form between the sticks. He made two outstanding saves against West Ham United in the FA Cup fifth round. There are no doubts over his position in goal.
In defence, there could be a couple of changes after the weekend humiliation. Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez should keep their places at the heart of the defence, but we anticipate Ten Hag to drop both full-backs after their poor showing in Merseyside.
The duo lost possession on a staggering 34 occasions at the weekend and could be axed from the line-up with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Tyrell Malacia taking their places. Wan-Bissaka was outstanding in the second half of the Carabao Cup final and deserves to start.
Casemiro picked up a minor injury during the early phase of the North-West derby and it was probably a reason behind his under-par performance. He is expected to start in the number six role and will likely be partnered by Fred once more with Marcel Sabitzer injured.
Further forward, Ten Hag should contemplate a couple of changes. Wout Weghorst was largely ineffective from the number 10 position. In our opinion, Jadon Sancho should replace the Dutchman in the role against Betis, who are a more technical outfit.
Meanwhile, Antony could drop to the bench for Alejandro Garnacho. The youngster produced a top showing in the FA Cup against the Hammers, scoring the crucial winner. We fancy him to feature on the left wing tonight with Bruno Fernandes moving to the right flank.
Barring one headed chance, Fernandes barely impressed from the left wing at Anfield. The Portuguese is still expected to start after receiving full support from the manager. Marcus Rashford is braced to lead the line with his exceptional scoring form this season.
The England international has netted a stunning 25 goals thus far and should have added another to his tally at Anfield where he had a clear-cut chance. Rashford will be aiming to redeem himself after his mini-goal drought of two games.
How Man Utd could line up vs Real Betis
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
