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Bailly and Pogba to start, Martial on the right – Strongest 4-2-3-1 Manchester United XI to face Sevilla

Predicted Manchester United Lineup To Face Sevilla In The Champions League

After a convincing 2-0 win over Huddersfield in the 5th round of the FA Cup, Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United will now turn their heads towards the UEFA Champions League. The Devils are scheduled to make a trip to Estadio Sanchez Pizjuan in Spain to face Sevilla and although they have a couple of injury issues to take care of, Mourinho has asked for optimism from all around the corner.

Sevilla have been struggling to reach top form lately and the fact that they have won just three of their last six games in all competitions is the perfect specimen of it.

Manchester United, on the other hand, haven’t hit great form either as they have lost two of their last six encounters but having won the rest. Both Sevilla and Manchester United have never met in a UEFA Champions League fixture but did face off against each other in club friendlies back in 2013. The result? Manchester United lost 1-3.

Given the injury issues Mourinho is facing right now, here is how I think the Portuguese will line his team up against the Spaniards.

Goalkeeper: David De Gea

There’s no doubt about it! The Spaniard was rested for the FA Cup fixture against Huddersfield and judging by the intensity of the fixture, I am 100% convinced the Spaniard will be guarding United’s goal. De Gea has so far played 4 of United’s 6 Champions League games and has managed three clean sheets.

Defenders: Antonio Valencia, Eric Bailly, Chris Smalling, Ashley Young

“Rashford, Herrera, Valencia, I think they have a chance,” said Mourinho when quipped about the team news

So with that in mind, I expect Antonio Valencia to start ahead of everyone. The Ecuadorian has been in impeccable form this season and has already scored three wonder goals. United will need him to be at his best given that Nolito will be the one he could be facing.

“Marcos Rojo, Phil Jones, Marouane [Fellaini], Zlatan [Ibrahimovic]… I don’t think they have any chance, so we arrive at this crucial moment with some problems,” Mourinho continued.

Ashley Young

That being said, there are high chances that Eric Bailly might finally start his first game after months. The Ivory Coast international was named on the bench against Huddersfield and was even introduced late in the fixture. And with both Jones and Rojo ruled out, the 23-year-old is expected to get the nod alongside his centre-back partner Chris Smalling.

The English international has been utterly underwhelming this season, yet he gets picked for surprising reasons.

On the left, Ashley Young is expected to get a slot. The England international played as a right-back against Huddersfield while Luke Shaw occupied the left flank. A change, however, is expected which could see Young go back to the left channel.

Central Midfield: Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba/Ander Herrera

Nemanja Matic has been Manchester United’s undroppable personnel and has only missed one Champions League game thus far, United’s 2-1 win over CSKA Moscow. The Serbian played his part against Huddersfield and is rightly expected to line up against Sevilla as well. His partner is expected to be Paul Pogba, the one who has been grabbing all the headlines of late.

The Frenchman missed the trip to Huddersfield due to injury but is expected to be match fit. If not, Ander Herrera might well take the first-team mantle.

Alexis Sanchez

Attacking Trio: Anthony Martial, Jesse Lingard, Alexis Sanchez –

Jose Mourinho went with Juan Mata on the right flank against Huddersfield and there are high chances that the Portuguese might change that. With now both Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial available for selection, the gaffer might look to add more pace on the wings and the inclusion of Anthony Martial is sure to help his cause. The Frenchman replaced Alexis Sanchez for the Huddersfield game, but I expect him to start the Chilean on right flank.

United’s No.10 is expected to be Jesse Lingard, who too was a second-half substitute against Huddersfield. On the left, winter signing Alexis Sanchez is sure to keep his spot.

Striker: Romelu Lukaku

Romelu Lukaku has now scored 20+ goals in all competitions in his past four seasons and a brace against Huddersfield took his season’s tally to 21 strikes. The Belgian will look to add a few more and a lot will be expected of him once he steps on to the field.

Written by Patrick Rees

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