Manchester United take on Real Sociedad in their final Europa League group game this evening.
The Red Devils are currently placed second in Group E with 12 points, three adrift of Sociedad. The club must beat the La Liga outfit by two clear goals to ensure that they finish top of the table.
Otherwise, they won’t receive a direct passage to the round of 16. There will be a tricky last 32 tie for them where they could face the likes of Barcelona, Sevilla, Ajax, Juventus among others.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Line-up:
David de Gea has started in each of United’s 17 games this campaign. Erik ten Hag has not looked elsewhere so far. The Spaniard is expected to continue between the sticks. He was world class against West Ham United recently with two remarkable saves.
Similar to De Gea, Dalot has started every game for the Red Devils. The Portuguese is an undroppable player in the XI at the moment. The right-back also starred against the Hammers last weekend, making a number of headed clearances at the back post.
Harry Maguire should retain his place alongside Lisandro Martinez at the heart of the defence. Victor Lindelof is fit after his bout of illness but the club captain deserves to start, having played a vital part in the Red Devils beating West Ham.
The England star was solid in the closing stages on Sunday and made a vital goal saving block in injury time. At left-back, Luke Shaw should certainly continue ahead of Tyrell Malacia. The 27-year-old is a better attacking threat compared to the summer signing.
In the centre of the park, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen are expected to keep their respective places. Casemiro has been ever-present over the past month and has now made the number six position his own ahead of Scott McTominay as well as Fred.
Eriksen has been one of the signings of the season and his creativity will be key against Sociedad’s backline. Elsewhere, Bruno Fernandes is suspended for the Aston Villa game and Ten Hag should have no concerns playing him in the number 10 role this evening.
Anthony Elanga failed to impress on the right flank last weekend after Antony was sidelined. Alejandro Garnacho should feature ahead of him after an impressive full debut against Sheriff Tiraspol. Antony, Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho are not with the team.
Marcus Rashford is set for another game on the left wing with Cristiano Ronaldo expected to lead the attack. Rashford tried to play closer to Ronaldo in the second half against Sheriff last week and we could see more of the same as United seek a two-goal advantage today.
How Man Utd could line up vs Sociedad
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
