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Manchester United would want to bounce back after a disappointing 1-1 draw with promoted side Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday at Old Trafford. It was a match they should have put to bed in the first half. Moving on from that, another match beckons in the English Football League Cup, or the Carabao Cup, as United host Derby County on Tuesday night.
It appears that Jose Mourinho's team is finally feeling the pinch of playing more than two matches in a week. After back to back losses to Brighton and Tottenham, Mourinho seemed to have found a winning combination in a 4-3-3 formation that allows Paul Pogba to flourish in a more offensive position.
The only glitch in the system that if Mourinho takes one or two players off the team, then there is some element of instability. In a tightly scheduled season, it is virtually impossible not to rotate players. Mourinho does not have the benefit of depth in his squad compared to the likes of Liverpool or Manchester City and that could be the difference in the long run.
On Tuesday, Mourinho is set to make wholesome changes to his squad for the EFL Cup. On one end, some key players would be free to rest up for the tough West Ham away clash on Saturday. On the other hand, an entirely new crop of players could prove catastrophic as seen in United's previous embarrassing eliminations in domestic competitions.
This is a match United is expected to win comfortably if the tactics are right. It does not matter who is selected to play. Mourinho will certainly need the home win before it mirrors the David Moyes season when United had one of the best away records but struggled in front of their home supporters. These are the players that are likely to start on Tuesday.
Goalkeeper
Sergio Romero
The Argentine goalkeeper missed the World Cup due to a knee injury and only just recently got back to the team. He has proven to be dependable in cup games. Mourinho, as a testament to his belief in Romero, has not hesitated to play him in Champions League matches. He has an impressive shot-stopping ability and is a genuinely good goalkeeper.
Romero is certainly not at David de Gea's level but is sharper than third choice option Lee Grant. Romero should keep the defensive ship steady when called upon in this match. He did not kick a ball in pre-season but that should not sway Mourinho's decision as De Gea should be rested.
Central defenders
Eric Bailly
After an extended spell on the sidelines, the Ivorian is expected to start this match. Bailly was blamed for United's poor show against Brighton Hove Albion when they lost 3-2. Since then, he has been phased out of the starting line up by Mourinho.
He has yet to replicate the dominant force he was when he first arrived at United. Truly, he is a fierce competitor at the back but at times rushes into challenges that lead to damaging consequences. Some quarters believe that he is United's best central defender and should not be benched based on one match.
Victor Lindelof
United do not have much of the younger replacements at centre back so Mourinho will have have to pick from the senior guys. Mourinho may need to rest Chris Smalling who seems to have cemented his starting berth if his recent performances are anything to go by.
If Lindelof starts then it would be at the left centre back position where he is better placed to control the ball on both feet. He has improved since that catastrophic show at Brighton. What he lacks in strength, he compensates in speed and tactical awareness.
Fullbacks
Diogo Dalot
Mourinho already revealed to reporters that Dalot would start this match. His reasoning is that he wanted to ease the 19-year-old into high-pressure matches especially in the Premier League. This presents the perfect chance for Dalot to show the home fans his quality.
He impressed on his debut in the Champions League against Young Boys. He is quick and likes to deliver dangerous crosses into the box. Dalot also has good ball control and can recover on the other end. Mourinho has praised him on a consistent basis and this is a player who can give Antonio Valencia competition for his place at the right wing.
Ashley Young
Even though Luke Shaw has commanded the left back position, Ashley Young is likely to start this one to offer leadership and his experience. A player who has seen almost everything that the game has to offer played as a winger before making a switch.
Young can spot a pass, deliver quality crosses and score if the opportunity comes. The fullback positions is probably an area that United have comprehensively covered with several options. Matteo Darmian can also be drafted as cover in either full back position.
Midfielders
Fred
The Brazilian finally returned to the starting lineup against the Wolves after Nemanja Matic was red carded. He did not disappoint when compared to earlier in the season and also chipped in with a goal, his first for United. He was also getting into dangerous positions and tested Rui Patricio from a wonderfully taken free-kick.
With Matic still out due to suspension, Fred is likely to get the nod in a three-man midfield. His role will be to protect the back four and look to deliver penetrative passes through to the attacking players.
Scott McTominay
The towering youngster broke into the first team last season. However, his role this season has been limited as he has only come in as a substitute. This tie is a good chance for him to stake a claim for his place on the teamsheet.
Mourinho already had nice things to say about him. He will be mobile in this formation and could make the forward runs where possible. He will also be expected to do the dirty work in the middle of the pack when Derby County is on the counter-attack.
Andres Pereira
The Brazilian made a positive impact when he was brought on against the Wolves in the second half. He is technically gifted and can control the ball distribution from the midfield. If Paul Pogba is rested, then this would be the man Mourinho calls upon to slot into his position.
He has done little wrong to suggest that he should not start. Only a matter of outright competition for positions and tactical reasons have kept him out of the starting 11. He is also somewhat of a dead ball specialist.
Forwards
Juan Mata
Since the opening game of the season against Leicester City, Juan Mata has seen limited playing time. His lack of speed, strength and height have certainly worked against him. With several attacking options, it comes as no surprise that he has been left out.
He can be selected to start on the right wing and offer the much needed creative spark up front. He has good ball control and playmaking abilities. As the game progresses, he can be slotted into that number 10 role to limit his wing play.
Alexis Sanchez
In six matches, the Chilean has only had a handful of chances to score. He has not been up to his full potential since his arrival at Old Trafford. Against an opponent like Derby County, he could break the duck and bring about a much-needed boost to his confidence.
He can play as a left winger or even interchange with the main striker as Lukaku is set to be rested after playing the full 90 minutes everytime since he started the first match of the season.
Anthony Martial
This will be Martial's chance to get on the scoresheet once again as the striker. He has the ability to be ruthless in front of goal. His off-field troubles and transfer talk has got in his way from being the top talent that he is.
He scored against Young Boys and should get more playing time this time around. Things also seem to have cooled down with Mourinho. With Rashford out for at least one more match, Martial's clock is ticking to deliver. Mourinho is likely to have a full bench of his regular starters on standby just in case things don't go according to the script.
