Predicted Manchester United Line-up To Face CSKA Moscow In The Champions League
It’s Champions League week and Manchester United will be taking on CSKA Moscow in the 2nd matchday of the competition. The Red Devils have already reached Russia, the venue where they last won the trophy, back in 2008. United’s record against CSKA is decent, as they have never lost to the opposition in 4 meetings so far, having won twice and drawn twice. Jose Mourinho’s side will be without both Paul Pogba and Marouane Fellaini for this game, with the former having suffered a thigh injury while the latter was injured at Southampton in the weekend match.
Here’s how Manchester United might lineup:
Manager: Jose Mourinho
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper: David de Gea, Spain
De Gea has been in remarkable form so far this season, having kept 6 clean sheets in the 7 games he has played so far. The Spaniard is likely to face his toughest challenge yet this season at CSKA given the nature of the crowd and the harsh climate. But if anyone can, it’s got to be him.
Right back: Antonio Valencia, Ecuador
Valencia has also done a fine job on the right wing and will be eager to continue his good run of form in such a tricky encounter.
Centre-backs: Eric Bailly, Ivory Coast and Chris Smalling, England
Bailly will be back for this one after serving his three-match European competition ban. However, Phil Jones will miss this one out due to suspension, which could see Chris Smalling featuring at the heart of the United defence.
Left-back: Daley Blind, Netherlands
Blind featured in the last Champions League game and will probably start this one as well. Ashley Young will be rested for the game given that he has played two games back to back in the league.
Central Midfield: Ander Herrera, Spain and Nemanja Matic, Serbia
With Pogba out due to a long-term injury and Fellaini picking up a knock against Southampton, Mourinho has no option but to field Matic and Herrera in midfield. He will have Michael Carrick on the bench but will hope the Spaniard and the Serbian see the game through. Matic has been brilliant so far this season but Herrera has been a bit of a hit and a miss, so one would hope that he delivers in this crucial game.
Left Wing: Anthony Martial, France
Martial has been sensational on the wings and he will look to take the game to the CSKA defence tomorrow. He is yet to open his account in the Champions League this season and did not make the best of an impression in the previous matchday. So the Frenchman will be eager to start afresh and prove his value to the manager.
Central Attacking Midfielder: Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Armenia
Mkhitaryan has been highly inconsistent with regards to his overall contribution to the team but has so far silenced the naysayers by setting up goals regularly. Jose will hope the Armenian can keep delivering for him and carve open a resolute CSKA backline.
Right Wing: Jesse Lingard, England
Lingard will probably start in his place and the youngster will be eager to make the most of the limited opportunities handed to him.
Striker: Romelu Lukaku, Belgium
Lukaku has been in red hot form this campaign and has already scored 8 goals in 8 games for the club. He will be eager to add to his tally and will enjoy the challenge that he will face in Russia.