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Predicting an Erik ten Hag lineup often throws up one or two questions, however for tomorrow’s Carabao Cup match towards Crystal Palace, virtually each single place poses a dilemma.
Ten Hag usually performs one thing approximating his strongest XI whatever the competitors and opposition and he definitely will wish to construct on the stuttering momentum of his first win in 4 video games by kicking on towards the Eagles at Outdated Trafford.
Alternatively, with so many accidents and matches coming thick and quick on this interval, resting key gamers and the timing of returns from harm additionally require cautious administration.
In purpose, there’s a case for handing a debut to new signing Altay Bayindir, who might or might not have been promised a spot in home cup matches when he signed for the membership. It might additionally make sense to present him some expertise in case he’s wanted for “greater” video games. Alternatively, Andre Onana remains to be bedding in and attending to know his defence so it’s just a little early to relaxation him.
We predict the Ten Hag “strongest XI” mentality will prevail and Onana will maintain his place.
With Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia out and doubts over Harry Maguire, Sergio Reguilon and Lisandro Martinez, United’s defence is threadbare to say the least. There are additionally no apparent children knocking on the door for a debut, though Rhys Bennett is coming back from harm and is one Ten Hag has his eye on.
Though Reguilon left the pitch towards Burnley on Saturday holding his hamstring, Ten Hag insisted he had been feeling unwell, so hopefully he’ll be capable of resume at left again, with Diogo Dalot at proper again.
With out realizing the health standing of Martinez and Maguire, it’s laborious to foretell the centre again partnership. Regardless of Jonny Evans’ heroics towards Burnley, a Varane-Lindelof partnership seems to be the strongest on paper.
In midfield, there are extra choices. Mason Mount is believed to be near a return and Kobbie Mainoo can also be again in coaching. Donny van de Beek, Dan Gore and Hannibal are all additionally floating across the periphery of the primary staff, with the latter doing effectively in his first Premier League begin on Saturday. Sofyan Amrabat made a 5-minute cameo debut in that recreation as effectively, then there are the stalwarts, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay.
It might make sense to relaxation Casemiro for this one and provides Amrabat his full debut. He might associate Eriksen, who was rested/dropped towards Burnley after a poor exhibiting towards Bayern final Wednesday. If match sufficient, Mainoo might get some minutes off the bench.
Captain Bruno Fernandes by no means misses a recreation so is prone to proceed and revert to the favoured quantity 10 place.
Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund could possibly be rested, with Alejandro Garnacho and Anthony Martial coming in. This leaves the best wing. Mason Mount could possibly be match sufficient to get the nod there, or Facundo Pellistri could possibly be tried once more regardless of additionally disappointing in Germany.
Another choice is a formation change with the largely ineffective McTominay padding out the midfield on the expense of one of many wing males.
With all that in thoughts, right here is our predicted line up for tomorrow’s recreation:
