After yet another defeat in the Premier League, Manchester United will try to lift their spirits with a win in the Champions League. The Red Devils have won both their European fixtures this season, first against PSG and then RB Leipzig. They have an easier game, at least on paper, today when they face Istanbul Basaksehir in Turkey.
United are top of their group with two wins from two games, while their opponents have lost both their games so far. This is the first time that the Premier League side will face the Turkish team in their history.
Team News
Eric Bailly will miss the game due to injury, while Alex Telles is in isolation after a positive COVID test. Phil Jones was not included in United’s Champions League squad and is out due to injury as well. Jesse Lingard could return as he is now back in training for the Red Devils. Anthony Martial will be available for selection as well.
Goalkeeper
Dean Henderson could get his first Champions League start on Wednesday night as David de Gea may be given a rest by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Defence
Axel Tuanzebe hasn’t started for United since his heroic performance against PSG. He could start in place of Victor Lindelof in the Manchester United lineup, while captain Harry Maguire could retain his place in the side.
Brandon Williams could return to the Manchester United lineup at left-back, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka may continue at right-back. Timothy Fosu-Mensah is another option for Solskjaer in the right-back spot.
Midfield
Paul Pogba was poor against Arsenal over the weekend and he could be dropped for this game. Nemanja Matic could start, while Fred could play alongside the experienced midfielder in the Manchester United lineup.
If Solskjaer persists with the diamond formation, we could see Bruno Fernandes and Donny van de Beek both start. Juan Mata is another option for Solskjaer at the tip of the diamond.
Solskjaer will most likely return to the 4-2-3-1 formation, which is more balanced. This could mean that Matic and Fred could play in the holding midfield role, while van de Beek plays in the No. 10 role.
Attack
Anthony Martial could start for United once again in the Champions League. Daniel James could get a start on the left side of attack in the Manchester United lineup, while Juan Mata could play on the opposite side. The likes of Marcus Rashford and Edinson Cavani are other options for Solskjaer.
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