Manchester United are not particularly in the greatest position to be going into one of the most important games of their season. Jose Mourinho’s men, who have now lost two of their last six league games, face Sevilla in the 2nd leg just days after they welcome their fierce rivals Liverpool to Old Trafford this weekend.
Jose Mourinho, who has only beaten Jurgen Klopp once in his career, will believe that his side has what it takes to snatch all three points from this game. Liverpool are through to the next round of the UCL and are fresh from a victory over Newcastle United. But they have not beaten Manchester United in any of their last three tries in the league.
It will be interesting to see if United deploy a defensive approach but Mourinho is definitely fielding his strongest XI and here is the predicted lineup he might play for this game.
Team News:
The Red Devils are still without the services of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Phil Jones, Daley Blind, Marcus Rojo and Ander Herrera, who are all ruled out by the manager. United do welcome Marouane Fellaini back to full fitness this weekend while Eric Bailly is in contention to start. Anthony Martial is suffering from a thigh strain and is also absent from the squad for this tie.
Expected lineup (4-3-3):
Defence:
David de Gea has been United’s best player yet again this season and might be under pressure, against a fluid Liverpool attack. With Bailly returning from injury, he could start at CB, alongside Chris Smalling, who should push Victor Lindelof to the bench.
Ashley Young has usually been effective against Liverpool and might start on the left flank while Antonio Valencia will keep his place in the side, at right-back.
Midfield:
Though Fellaini is back in training, Mourinho might not risk him in this crunch game and should stick with Nemanja Matic as the deepest of the midfielders. Paul Pogba needs to have a good game and will start on to the left of Matic while young Scott McTominay, who is slowly cementing his place in the first team, could start on the right of the Serbian midfielder.
Attack:
The manager has a number of options in attack and it will be interesting to see who he trusts for this game. Alexis Sanchez should start on the left flank in attack while Romelu Lukaku should continue to lead the attack.
Juan Mata has usually been productive against their fierce rivals and might be picked over Jesse Lingard on the right flank.
Here is how they might line up:
