Stakes cannot be higher as the 3 times European champion and last year’s Europa league winner United face off against their spanish opponents Sevilla in the second leg of their round of 16 clash on Tuesday.
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The first leg score line read 0-0, however if one saw the match, they would know, it was mostly dominated by the hosts. Some world class saves by De Gea coupled with some poor finishing by hosts meant United managed a draw away, and have all to look forward to their second leg clash.
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United enter this match with some confidence after defeating both their rivals Chelsea and Liverpool 2-1 at home while also making a successful 2-3 turnaround at Selhust park against Crystal Palace, after being 2 goals down last Monday. Sevilla on the other hand, lost 0-2 at home against Valencia and would be desperate to reverse their fortune.
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Although Pogba missed training and is unlikely to appear for the clash, the French has been included in the match-day squad while Martial is deemed fit for the match, but will make the bench given Rashford’s form. Meanwhile, Navas is deemed to miss this clash which will be received as excellent news for the hosts with the winger being a key cog in midfield for Sevilla this season.
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Predicted Line-up Vs Sevilla: 4-3-3
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Stopper: David de Gea
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Although having Sergio Romero in the United squad, the world’s best keeper is an obvious option for the boss if not for some unfortunate circumstance. De Gea picks himself for the team through his enviable performances for the Red Devils.
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Defenders: Antonio Valencia, Chris Smalling, Eric Bailly, Ashley Young
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While Valencia and Smalling picks themselves for the match, Bailly has returned from injury and is fit to play, so he would replace Lindelof. Currently, no defender stands a chance in presence of the Ivorian in the existing Manchester United squad. Young would get the nod ahead of Shaw as he managed to contain the threat of Salah perfectly in the previous match.
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Midfielders: Nemanja Matic, Scott McTominay, Juan Mata
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Mctominay provides solidity to United’s midfield he will start as well given Mourinho’s belief on the youngster and his recent successes. Mata would come in and would provide much needed creativity, which the Reds lacked in the 1st leg. Matic comes in as an undeniable choice for the manager.
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Attackers: Alexis Sanchez, Romelu Lukaku, Marcus Rashford
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Out of United’s attacking options comprising Lukaku, Martial, Lingard, Rashford and Sanchez, only Sanchez has
played Champions League for more than a season and has plenty of experience of knockout matches. Hence, it is no-brainer that Sanchez would play a pivotal role when it comes to United’s attack. However, he hasn’t particularly hit the ground running barring his performance against Huddersfield. So far his stats reads: 748 minutes, 15 shots and 1 goal.
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Rashford’s pace and new found confidence backed by 2 goals against Liverpool means he will be chosen ahead of Martial. Romelu Lukaku will be the obvious striker for the Reds.
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GGMU…..!!!!!!
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Manchester Utd vs Sevilla, Champions League round of 16, kickoff at 19.45 GMT.
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