Manchester United will be looking at getting back to winning ways when they host neighbours Manchester City in the League Cup fourth round at Old Trafford on Wednesday night. Latest Soccer lines suggest Manchester City are the clear favourites for this clash but it is a derby and anything can happen.
Mourinho’s men go into the game on the back of suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat to Chelsea whilst City were held to a 1-1 draw with Southampton at the Etihad last time out.
The Portuguese is widely expected to stick with his much preferred 4-2-3-1 formation against City with four across the back, two in central midfield, two wide men out on the flanks, one in the advanced number ten role and a lone forward up top.
In between the sticks for United will be David De Gea. The Spaniard has endured an impressive start to the new campaign so far and he will no doubt be have to be in top form once again should he wish to keep City at bay come Wednesday.
At right-back Antonio Valencia is expected to be given the nod over Matteo Darmian. The Ecuadorian has arguably been United’s standout performer so far this season and will be looking to impress his new boss further against Manchester City. With Eric Bailly out injured Chris Smalling is widely anticipated to be paired alongside Daley Blind in the heart of United’s defence whilst at left-back Luke Shaw will make a return to the starting eleven having missed out against Chelsea on Sunday.
Acting as the holding defensive midfielder will be Michael Carrick. The former Spurs man has only started two games so far this season under Mourinho but will be given the nod of Marouane Fellaini who will be dropped to the substitute’s bench. Alongside Carrick in the centre of midfield Paul Pogba will be given the freedom of the pitch by Mourinho to do the damage at the top end of the field as he bids to find top form.
Out on the right hand side of midfield Juan Mata will be given the nod over Jesse Lingard. The Spaniard’s ability to unlock defences with his pin-point passing combined with his terrific work rate makes him a real asset for Mourinho and is one which he will no doubt use against City on Wednesday night at Old Trafford whilst on the left hand side Anthony Martial will be handed a start by Mourinho as he bids to recapture the impressive form he shown last season under former United head coach louis Van Gaal.
Playing in the more advanced number ten role Wayne Rooney is expected to make a return to the starting eleven having missed United’s defeat at Stamford Bridge through injury. It has been no secret that Rooney has endured a poor start to the new campaign but he is still a key player for Manchester United and his inclusion could prove crucial if United are to progress to the fifth round of the League Cup.
Leading the United attack will be Marcus Rashford. The youngster has found himself featuring on the flanks of late but will be given chance to impress by Mourinho playing as the lone striker up top.
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