Manchester United would expect an easy second leg away at France when they visit Stade Geoffroy-Guichard to play St. Etienne in the midweek. Although tiredness will be an issue for both the teams as they play thrice in a span of six days, United boss Jose Mourinho made the most use of his huge squad depth as the Red Devils saw an almost different squad defeat Blackburn Rovers in a crucial FA Cup encounter this past weekend.
Although the game is pretty much secured for United as they had a comfortable 3-0 win in the home leg last midweek, Mourinho will leave nothing to chance. With the Premier League, more or less for Chelsea to win, the Portuguese boss has his priorities right on target. United are already in the EFL Cup final and face a tricky trip away at Stamford Bridge in FA Cup semis. The only other tournament remains the Europa League and they want to win that as well.
All first-team players are expected to feature in the tricky away fixture.
Defence
We expect Sergio Romero to start under the bar again. The Argentine was difficult to beat against St. Etienne and showed similar class in the midweek FA Cup fixture.
Daley Blind and Antonio Valencia are expected to start on the flanks. The Dutchman has been subjected to numerous experiments at the back by the manager, but finally seems to have realised his best position in the starting eleven on the left-flank. Antonio Valencia has been United’s old general, who could provide the perfect balance between defence and attack. Mourinho opted for Darmian and Ashely Young on the flanks in the midweek game.
Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling are expected to start as the centre-halves. The duo looked solid against St. Etienne in the first leg and Bailly was rightly rested in the midweek’s game. Marcos Rojo started in place of him alongside Smalling.
Midfield
Michael Carrick is expected to start the game alongside Ander Herrera in the midfield. Paul Pogba is likely to take his position in the number 10 role. Henrikh Mkhitaryan started against Blackburn Rovers on the weekend and the Armenian international is expected to be on the bench in this game.
Attack
Lingard has been a constant presence for United on the right wing with Anthony Martial on the left. Martial has been getting into serious form since the last few matches and the boss will hope for a similar performance from his winger. Zlatan Ibrahimović is expected to spearhead the attack replacing Marcus Rashford from United’s team in the weekend.
Martial – Ibrahimovic – Lingard
Herrera – Pogba – Carrick
Blind – Bailly – Smalling – Valencia
De Gea
