Manchester United were given a huge boost in confidence as they managed to put daylight between them and their arch-rivals, Liverpool, after a deserved 2-1 victory over them at Old Trafford on Saturday. But the tough games do not stop for United, as they are back in action this week when they welcome Spanish giants Sevilla in the Round of 16 second-leg of the Champions League this week.
The Red Devils failed to break Sevilla’s resistance at Sanchez Pizjuan but also kept a clean sheet, and will believe that they can get the work done at Old Trafford on Tuesday. Sevilla fell to a demoralizing 2-0 defeat to Valencia at home and will look to bounce back. But Mourinho will set up his team smartly and here is the predicted lineup he might field for this tie:
Team News:
In early team news, The Red Devils are still without the services of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Phil Jones and Daley Blind, all of who are ruled out. Mourinho revealed that he does not know the extent of Paul Pogba’s injury which might see the French midfielder miss this game as well while Anthony Martial, who also missed the game against Liverpool, will undergo a late fitness test before the game. Ander Herrera and Marcos Rojo are yet to be back in training but may yet make it to the squad for this tie.
Expected lineup (4-2-3-1):
Defence:
David de Gea had a rather comfortable night against Liverpool and will love to have a similar outing against Sevilla. He should be protected at the back with a similar backline of Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling playing at its heart.
Antonio Valencia has been effective in most games this season and should keep his place as a right-back while Luke Shaw could replace Ashley Young, who put in a superb shift at the weekend.
Midfield:
With Pogba and Herrera doubtful, Mourinho has little options in the midfield. Nemanja Matic has been ever-present for the Red Devils this season and should start at the heart of the midfield and could be partnered with Scott McTominay, who is fast turning into an important player for United.
Attack:
Romelu Lukaku was influential in the win against Jurgen Klopp’s men. He will look to put in a similar performance in this game as well. Juan Mata was not as productive and might not retain his place. He could be replaced by Jesse Lingard, who should start on the right side of the attack.
Marcus Rashford was exceptional at Old Trafford and should start yet again. He could start on the left flank in the attack with Alexis Sanchez keeping his place as a CAM.
Here is how they might line up:
