Jones and Bailly out, Predicted 4-2-3-1 Manchester United lineup to face Basel

Manchester United will make their Champions League return after last year’s absence when they host FC Basel at Old Trafford on Tuesday night. The Red Devils were held to a 2-2 draw by Stoke City over the weekend, but Jose Mourinho will want to get back to winning ways with a strong start in Europe. While Benfica are the strongest opponents in the group, CSKA Moscow could spring a surprise in their home turf, and this makes the Basel game all so important.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Mourinho should shift back to the 4-2-3-1 formation after his decision to play three midfielders failed to work out at Stoke. Ander Herera is the likely personnel to make way to facilitate the change.

Lineup:

David de Gea has started all four of United’s league games, and he is likely to get the nod over Sergio Romero for the Champions League. Romero was United’s Europa League goalkeeper last term, but he may probably have to satisfy with the Cup competitions this season.

Both Eric Bailly and Phil Jones are ruled out due to their respective European suspensions. Victor Lindelof and Chris Smalling are expected to take their roles as stated by Mourinho earlier in the campaign.

Antonio Valencia is likely to remain the standing captain, playing at right-back while Daley Blind could replace Matteo Darmian on the left side of the defence. Darmian was exploited on several occasions during the 2-2 draw at Stoke, and Mourinho could probably opt for a change.

Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic are automatic picks at the centre of the park with Ander Herrera making way after his average performance against Mark Hughes’ side.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan is likely to feature in his preferred number 10 position and this could see Juan Mata return on the right side of the attack while Marcus Rashford could take his place on the left.

Anthony Martial has impressed from the substitutes’ bench of late but Rashford should get the nod after having stood out with his performance against the Potters. Romelu Lukaku is a certain starter up front following his fifth goal in as many games for United.