Having beaten Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup and Saint Ettiene in the Europa League, Manchester United have kept themselves alive in every competition this season and they will have their shot at glory this weekend when they take on Claude Puel’s Southampton side in the League Cup final at Wembley. The Red Devils got past Hull City in the previous round and are favorites to lift the trophy but Southampton have put in some brace performances this season in all competitions and can easily shock the Red Devils on the night. Mourinho has already spoken about the importance of the League Cup and has revealed that he will go with his strongest side for this game. Southampton beat Crystal Palace, Sunderland, Arsenal and Liverpool to get their shot at silverware and will surely make it hard for Mourinho’s side on the night.
Manchester United predicted line-up to face Southampton in EFL Cup final:
Team News:
Phil Jones is still out injured while skipper Wayne Rooney and midfielder Michael Carrick are not back to full fitness and might not feature in this game. Henrikh Mkhitaryan was subbed off after picking up a niggle in the game against St Ettiene and is also not expected to be risked for this tie.
Expected lineup (4-2-3-1):
David de Gea (GK):
Though not the cup keeper, De Gea should start between the sticks for Manchester United for this League Cup Final.
Antonio Valencia (RB):
The first choice right-back for Mourinho, Valencia has been in decent form this season and will hope to put in a good shift for his side.
Marcos Rojo (CB):
Growing in confidence as a center back, Rojo has been instrumental in the recent run for Manchester United and should start this game at the heart of the defense.
Eric Bailly (CB):
After a superb outing in France earlier in the week, Bailly will be up and ready for this League Cup Final at Wembley.
Daley Blind (LB):
Preferred over Darmian and Shaw in the last few games, Blind has been decent for United on the flank and Mourinho should stick with him for this tie.
Ander Herrera (CM):
The first choice midfielder for United this season, Herrera has been superb in the middle of the park and United will need him to be at his best to stand a shot at the trophy.
Marouane Fellaini (CM):
Though not the first choice midfielder for Mourinho, Fellaini adds some mettle to the midfield which the Red Devils might need in a crunch game like this.
Paul Pogba (CAM):
If ever there was a time for the French star to prove himself, it is this final at Wembley. In front of close to 100,000 fans, he has the chance to become an instant hero in this final.
Juan Mata (RW):
The Spaniard has picked up some good form at a crucial time for Manchester United and he will hope to get the better of Ryan Bertrand on the flank in this game at Wembley.
Anthony Martial (LW):
The French international has been used extensively in the last few games and he will hope to put in a good performance for his side at the weekend.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (ST):
The Swede is the top goal scorer for Manchester United and will the biggest threat for the likes of Stephens and Yoshida at the back for Southampton.
Here’s how they may take the field: