Patrick Rees
After an impressive run of victories in the recent weeks, the Old Trafford outfit will now shift their focus to the EFL cup semi-final, as a visit of a struggling Hull City is scheduled this Tuesday night.
The Devils have finally set the footing in the Premier League and are currently on an eight-game unbeaten streak – that happend for the first time in eight years – and the manager will be hoping to stretch the run even further with a win in the League Cup tie.
Jose Mourinho has confirmed that players who were rested in the 4-0 victory against Reading – will start the game, since and a win would take them to final, a star-studded line-up is expected, even though a game against Liverpool is around the corner (just four days after the EFL Tie)
With that being said and done, here is the predicted line-up that Mourinho might field for the game-
Goalkeeper: Sergio Romero-
The first choice stopper – David De Gea – certainly needs a rest and in that case, Mourinho will be counting on his second choice – Sergio Romero – to guard the post in the game for the second tie running. Romero has conceded just one goal in five games this terms, hence, it is fair to say that he is a trusted deputy for the manager.
Defence: Valencia; Smalling; Blind; Shaw-
A whole lot of changes are expected on the defensive end of the field, as Mourinho has some impressive personals to choose from.
The manager used Ashley Young against Reading last time out, and has confirmed that Valencia will return to the squad, hence, a no brainer for this spot.
The centre back pairing is likely to be of Smalling and Blind, as Mourinho will look to rest Phil Jones for the Liverpool game. Smalling has failed to live up the billing this time around and has lost his starting spot in the league, but Mourinho might go with him considering his experience in playing crucial games.
Furthermore, with Eric Bailly off to play AFCON, and Marcos Rojo a major doubt for the game, Daley Blind is expected to take charge alongside Smalling. Then on the left, Luke Shaw might mark his return after a long time.
Holding Pair: Fellaini, Herrera-
Mourinho started Marouane Fellaini alongside Carrick against Reading and it is quite certain that the manager might hand the 35-year-old a much-needed rest against the Tigers, hence the Belgian might play his second game on the bounce.
Alongside the former Evertonian, the ever present Ander Herrera will surely ply his nails in the game.
He was rested against the Championship side last time around and will return to the line-up without the slightest of a doubt.
Attacking Trio: Mkhitaryan; Pogba; Lingard-
Mourinho has so many options to choose from for these three spots and he might go with the aforementioned trio in the game. Lingard has had his fair share of chances this season and with a congested fixture pile-up heading, Mourinho might go with him in the game.
Pogba will surely be continuing his game from the number 10 spot and on the other flank, Mourinho might use the Armenian prodigy, Henrikh Mkhitaryan. These players are certainly capable of wreaking havoc on their day and the manager will be hoping for the same.
Striker: Ibrahimovic-
Marcus Rashford did score a brace last time out, but a change in this spot is evident as the manager has confirmed that the former Ajax, Inter, Barcelona and PSG forward will start the game. Goals are sure to come by.
