Ruben Amorim said in the pre-match press conference that it will be the same squad for tonight’s Premier League clash with Ipswich Town as the one that drew at Everton on Saturday.
That could however not include Sekou Koné, who played for the Under 21s last night.
With Altay Bayindir still unavailable, Andre Onana will undoubtedly start in goal. Tom Heaton is also still injured so despite the Cameroonian’s indifferent form, Amorim is unlikely to drop him and risk a young keeper like Elyh Harrison or Hubert Graczyk.
We predicted Diogo Dalot could be rested for the Everton game and we are predicting the same again after another shaky performance from the Portuguese at Goodison.
Leny Yoro should come in at centre back and Noussair Mazraoui will take over at right wing back, with Patrick Dorgu staying at left wing back.
Lisandro Martinez and Jonny Evans are still injured. Ayden Heaven and Victor Lindelof are backup options. Luke Shaw is also still unavailable and Amad, another wing back, is out for the season.
Saturday’s Casemiro-Ugarte midfield pivot was not successful, with the former a passenger for much of the game, so we expect the Brazilian to make way.
Bruno Fernandes could play alongside the Uruguayan, especially as a more attacking line-up is called for in a home game against a relegation-threatened side.
Christian Eriksen is another option in central midfield, but Toby Collyer is still out.
Up front, in the absence of Amad and Mason Mount, we expect Josh Zirkzee and Alejandro Garnacho to support Rasmus Hojlund.
Amorim spoke a lot in the pre-match presser about his faith in the Danish striker.
Young Chido Obi may again get some minutes off the bench.
Here, then, is our predicted XI for tonight’s 7.30pm GMT kick-off:
Featured image Gareth Copley 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.
