Manchester United will resume their UEFA Champions League campaign with an away trip to Sevilla for the first leg of their round-of-16 tie, on Wednesday night.
The Red Devils topped their group that comprised of Basel, CSKA Moscow and SL Benfica. Having given a fairly favourable draw, manager Jose Mourinho will be hoping to make it past the Spanish side and move on to the next stage of the competition. A positive result in the away leg will go a long way in helping them achieve that.
United have had mixed fortunes when it comes to results in recent games but go into the game following a 2-0 win over Huddersfield Town in the FA Cup.
United were handed a major boost by the return of defender Eric Bailly, who made his first appearance since November last year – a one-minute cameo this past weekend. Midfielder Paul Pogba, who missed out against the Terriers due to illness, is a doubt. Marcus Rashford and Ander Herrera, both of whom haven’t been available for the past two games, are unavailable for this game as well. Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marouane Fellaini are set to miss out again.
The Spanish superstar will return to the starting XI, after having missed the cup game. Sergio Romero will make way.
The Ecuadorian right-back was another player who was rested this past weekend but should return to the starting lineup against Sevilla.
Having made a comeback this weekend, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Jose decided to throw the Ivory Coast international into the starting XI for Wednesday’s match.
Another player who was not part of the team that won against Huddersfield, English international Phil Jones is likely to be reinstated in the heart of the defence.
The veteran Englishman has been Mourinho’s preferred option at left-back this term and it is unlikely he will drop him for a game of this magnitude.
The Serbian midfielder will assume duties as the deepest lying central midfielder and try to break up the play for the Mancunian outfit.
With Paul Pogba a doubt for the clash, Carrick could start in central midfield alongside Matic and Lingard.
The second highest goal-scorer for Manchester United this season, Jesse Lingard should start on Wednesday asthe No.10.
The Frenchman made a lively cameo appearance against Huddersfield but should be in for a starting role in Wednesday’s big game.
The Belgian powerhouse scored two brilliant goals in the cup win against the Terriers and will be keen on carrying the momentum into the midweek encounter.
On the left-hand side of the attacking trident, January signing Alexis Sanchez should retain his place. Hasn’t quite hit the ground running but has shown glimpses of quality and Mourinho will be hoping that the Chilean makes an impact against Sevilla.
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