Manchester United will take on Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday night, aiming to reach the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, where a juicy tie with one of Liverpool, Arsenal or Newcastle United awaits.
Altay Bayindir has played in the last two Carabao Cup matches but it seems unlikely that Ruben Amorim will risk not playing Andre Onana in such a big match, in spite of his shaky form of late.
Noussair Mazraoui had to be subbed off in the last game versus Manchester City and seems to be a major doubt for the match, so despite shining in a more forward role in recent matches, Amad Diallo will likely move further back into the right wing-back position.
Diogo Dalot will therefore likely continue as the left wing back due to the injury to Luke Shaw and the magnitude of the game for Tyrell Malacia, who is still in the process of regaining match fitness.
Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt have been staples of Ruben Amorim’s back three and were solid against City at the weekend, so it seems improbable Amorim will break up the duo.
The manager’s choice regarding the third centre-back will be interesting as he may be tempted to give Leny Yoro another chance after he got his first start against Nottingham Forest earlier in the month.
Nonetheless, Harry Maguire impressed against City, and afforded extra protection in a back three, he was one of the standout performers and is likely to get the nod again.
We expect Manuel Ugarte to keep his place in midfield after impressing in tough away fixtures versus Arsenal and City this month already. Kobbie Mainoo will likely start beside him as Amorim will demand energy in the middle of the park against a proactive Spurs side.
With Marcus Rashford out of the squad and Mason Mount injured, Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho are likely to be the two number tens.
The young Argentine will naturally be champing at the bit to play his part after being omitted for the derby last weekend.
Rasmus Hojlund will also likely take his place up front as he has been chosen to play away to Arsenal and City and is clearly Amorim’s first choice striker in big games.
With all that in mind, here is our predicted XI for tonight’s GMT 20.00 kick off.
Feature image Michael Regan via Getty Images
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Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.
