Manchester United will return to action in the Champions League and will be the last English side to play in the first leg games of the round of 16 ties. The Red Devils pretty much breezed through the group stages but have been handed a tricky tie against Sevilla who finished second behind Liverpool in their group.
Jose Mourinho’s side know the reality as winning the league title is all but over. The FA Cup and the Champions League still provides the team plenty to play for. The side recently brushed aside Huddersfield Town in the FA Cup and will want to repeat that when they travel to Andalusia.
Sevilla will be no pushovers as they have won their last three games in all competitions and have conceded just once goal in the process. United’s form has been patch as they’ve lost two of their last four games and will head into the tie with a one or two doubts about their game.
After starting the new year so well, United were given a reality check by Spurs and then Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle United beat them in what was a pretty big upset.
Here’s how Manchester United could line up for the clash against Sevilla…
Defence
Eric Bailly’s return will be a massive boost for United as his presence at the back has been sorely missed. He is one of the most consistent defenders in the league and should partner Chris Smalling at the heart of the defence.
Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia could play as the fullbacks while David De Gea will return in goal after he was given a breather against Huddersfield.
Midfield
Paul Pogba’s form has been a major concern for the side. Though he wasn’t at his 100% against Newcastle, his patchy form started before that tie. He’s expected to return to the starting XI and the fans will expect a more convincing performance this time. Nemanja Matic could line up alongside the Frenchman.
Jesse Lingard could be given the number 10 role once again as he is pretty tenacious, something that is needed against a side like Sevilla.
Attack
Romelu Lukaku is expected to lead the line and we could see the duo of Alexis Sanchez and Anthony Martial playing on the wide areas. Sanchez missed a sitter against Newcastle but his performances have been pretty good. Martial, on the other hand, was given a rest against Huddersfield and will want to impress after a disappointing outing against Newcastle.
