By Mark Weasley
Manchester United will look to continue the resurgence that started at home against Newcastle where Paul Pogba starred in the match at Old Trafford as we won 4-1. With a hectic schedule ahead of English clubs, United manager, Jose Mourinho will be looking to rotate his squad in the Champions League game against Basel at St. Jakob’s Park on Wednesday.
With maximum points in 4 matches this season in the Champions League, United have already sealed qualification for the knockout stages as we look to combine the rigours of European football with domestic commitments. We take a look at Jose’s probable 11 for the game.
Goalkeeper
After starring in the Europa League last season, substitute goalkeeper, Sergio Romero would be forgiven for thinking he will be in goal in the Champions League this term. However, David de Gea has been preferred and should play against the Swiss outfit on Wednesday.
Defence
United have been solid defensively all season and in the right back department, Italian fullback, Matteo Darmian should get the nod as Antonio Valencia is expected to be rested. In the heart of defence, the partnership of Chris Smalling and summer signing, Victor Lindelof stifled the threat of Newcastle last time out, and will be confident of doing same in Europe’s premier competition. At left back, Dutch defender, Daley Blind should come in for this clash as he has found his starting place at left back taken by the impressive Ashley Young.
Midfield
With Paul Pogba impressing in the midfield against Newcastle, Mourinho will be looking to play the Frenchman to boost his fitness after 12 matches out with injury. He should be partnered with Marouane Fellaini and Spanish all-rounder, Ander Herrera. Herrera, in particular has failed to hit the heights of last season but a run of games should do his confidence wonders. Fellaini has shaken off all after effects of his injury last month and will get another chance to show the Old Trafford board the need to extend his contract.
Attack
Marcus Rashford is expected to keep his place from last time out and is likely to be on the left of a three-pronged attack. On the right, England International, Jesse Lingard is battling for his place and should get the chance to impress his manager. Upfront, Romelu Lukaku is looking good after breaking his goal drought in the 4-1 victory over Newcastle. He has a lot to prove given the return to full fitness of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Predicted lineup: De Gea, Darmian, Smalling, Lindelof, Blind, Fellaini, Herrera, Pogba, Rashford, Lingard, Lukaku.
