Ruben Amorim will be taking no chances despite a 3-0 lead for his Manchester United side going into tonight’s Europa League semi-final second leg against Athletic Club of Bilbao.
The head coach rested several players at the weekend, almost confirming his intention to play his strongest possible side tonight.
The team almost picks itself, with the only real question being who will play in the wing back positions in the absence of Diogo Dalot.
The contenders are Patrick Dorgu, who can play on the right or left, Noussair Mazraoui, Harry Amass and Amad.
With Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez and Ayden Heaven all out and Luke Shaw and Victor Lindelof looking short of form and fitness, we expect Mazraoui to play in the back three alongside Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro.
Amass looked a little out of his depth against Brentford on Sunday, so Amorim is expected to gamble on Amad’s fitness, perhaps giving him an hour at RWB, with Dorgu on the left.
The rejuvenated Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte will almost certainly be the midfield duo.
Christian Eriksen and Kobbie Mainoo are other options but Toby Collyer is still out injured.
Up front, it will almost certainly be Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund.
Mason Mount could also feature, but we think he is more likely to start on the bench and add some energy in the second half.
Joshua Zirkzee is injured and out for the season while Chido Obi is not registered to play in the competition.
With all that said, here is our predicted XI for tonight’s 8pm kick-off:
Featured image Clive Brunskill via Getty Images
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Red Billy
Red Billy is the managing editor of The Peoples Person, author of three books and totally obsessed with football’s transfer market. Billy still insists Matteo Darmian and Alex Telles could have made it at United given half a chance.
