Manchester United are about to kick off their second
Champion’s League fixture on Wednesday night. The Red Devils have flown to
Moscow, Russia to face opponents CSKA Moscow. Moscow is a familiar destination
for United as they won the 2008 Champion’s League there against league rivals,
Chelsea. Both, United and CSKA have won their opening fixtures against Basel
and Benfica respectively. Manager, Jose Mourinho has given some major news
regarding injuries in the squad with Carrick, Fellaini and Pogba to miss out on
the clash due to injury. They haven’t even travelled with the squad.
Pogba is out with a hamstring injury and could require a
surgery, Fellaini picked up a knock in the weekend match against Southampton,
yet there are no updates given on Carrick. Jose also said that in form
defender, Phil Jones hasn’t travelled with the squad, with no reason given for
the same. It is speculated that he may be rested for the clash against Crystal
Palace or is even injured. Jose won’t have a problem finding a replacement for
Jones as Chris Smalling and Victor Lindelof are available for selection and
both of them started against Basel. However, the main concern will be the
midfield, as Carrick, Fellaini and Pogba are out, it is understood that Matic
and Herrera will start in midfield. Mourinho has also included young midfielder
Scott Mctominay in the side but it is not expected to start. An appearance from
the bench would add great experience for the young man.
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| Carrick and Fellaini Are Out Injured. |
Predicted Team News:
David De Gea is expected to start in goal. Matteo Darmian
could start as a right back, giving Valenica rest. Mourinho would also want to
give the Italian a run of games. Eric Bailly is expected to start at centre
back along with Victor Lindelof. If there is an injury to Jones, Mourinho would
want Chris Smalling to be fit for the Premier League given his experience, as
Lindelof may not be ready yet. United face Crystal Palace who sit at the bottom
of the table, but they can’t be underestimated and playing Lindelof would be a
risk for the boss. Axel Tuanzebe has also been included in the travelling
party. Ashley Young is expected to keep his place at left back. Blind made a
small cameo over the weekend, so he could be an option.
Luke Shaw is also with
the team, but isn’t expected to start as his form is still a question. He made
a substitute appearance against Burton in the Carabao Cup. Herrera is to
partner Matic in midfield. Playing a two-man central midfield would lead to
Jose opting for a 4-2-3-1 formation. With a midfield crisis, Juan Mata could
start on the right wing, with Henrikh Mkhitarayan starting as an attacking
midfielder. Marcus Rashford played the whole match against Southampton with
Anthony Martial being an unused substitute given the scenario of the match. As a
result, Jose will be looking to start Martial on the left. Romelu Lukaku will
continue as the lone striker. Jesse Lingard is also an option, but will have to
settle for the bench. As Young will start at left back, Daley Blind could make
a start from the bench, but this time not in defence but in midfield. Given his
capabilities of playing as a holding midfielder, Jose could use him as a
back-up for injured trio Carrick, Fellaini and Pogba.
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| Herrera Is Expected To Start With Matic In Midfield. |
Predicted Starting XI:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
De Gea, Darmian, Bailly, Lindelof, Young, Herrera, Matic,
Mata, Mkhitarayan, Martial, Lukaku
Still Got A Chance: Blind and Shaw
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