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Manchester United play Sevilla in the second leg of thier UEFA Champions League last 16 tie, with the first leg having resulted in a 0-0 drab draw. It is an intense encounter for both teams, with a place in the last eight hanging in the balance.
United come into this game on the back of three big victories. After coming from behind against Chelsea and Crystal Palace, United won rather comfortably against arch rivals Liverpool 2-1.
However, Jose Mourinho would be well aware of the importance of this week's two fixtures. Whilst the game against Sevilla would decide United's report card in Europe, the game on Sunday against Brighton in the FA Cup is another must win.
Therefore it will be intriguing to see if Jose rotates the squad for this match or fields his best eleven. Going by his recent choices, not a lot of rotation should be expected. Eric Bailly had a slight ankle issue during the Liverpool match, Pogba had a knock during training while Martial, Blind, Herrera and Ibrahimovic remain on the injury list.
#3 Defence and Goalkeeper
Goalkeeper: David De Gea
David De Gea in goal may again prove to be pivotal for Manchester United. Although United would be looking to win, they will also have to make sure they do not concede away goals. With this tie hanging in the balance, a few saves from Dave may be in the offering.
Right Back: Antonio Valencia
Stand-in captain, Valencia would be required to put in another industrious performance and play a key 90 minutes. This will be a very challenging week for Valencia with Jose probably looking to play him in all the three important ties. If this tie goes well, he may be substituted early enough so as to rest him a little for the weekend.
Centre Backs: Chris Smalling & Victor Lindelof
With Bailly probably out injured, Jose could have to go back to Smalling and Lindelof who had started in a few games prior to the Liverpool match. Although Bailly scored an own goal against Liverpool, he remains the standout defender for United and therefore the selection of centre-backs may depend on the physio's verdict.
Left Back: Ashley Young
Ashley Young had a good game against Liverpool, he kept Mohamed Salah quiet for an entire game. With United looking for a win, attacking full backs may be the call for the day. Hence Young may again find himself on the teamsheet ahead of Luke Shaw.
#2 Midfield
Defensive Midfield: Matic and McTominay
Whilst Matic has provided great performances game after game, McTominay has also grown into the role and never looks out of sorts. Going into the Sevilla game, United will require another excellent 90 minute masterclass from these two in order to keep a clean sheet and also create opportunities.
Central Attacking Midfield: Alexis Sanchez
Alexis Sanchez is yet to find his groove at United. The Chilean attacker has not found the goals and assists which every Red Devil fan was looking forward to. His constantly changing position in the attack is also not helping his cause. While always giving his best on the field, the Chilean has played down the centre, on the right as well as on the left.
However given the team's current situation, Sanchez may find the most creativity down the middle, drifting on both sides and interchanging positions with the likes of Rashford and Lukaku. The coming games may help him find his form which could be a launch pad for a tremendous second season
Left Wing: Marcus Rashford
The man of the match against Liverpool should be a definite starter against Sevilla. Playing his first league game since boxing day, Rashford did not look out of sorts at all. In fact, his finishing was clinical and he also looked for the right passes. With him playing 70 minutes and not the full 90, he should be fresh enough to come in for the Sevilla game.
Right Wing: Jesse Lingard
The Right wing sees Lingard over Mata for the simple reason that he would be the fresher of the two and may provide a little more pace as compared to the Spaniard. Mata played a good 89 minutes against Liverpool, although he did miss one good opportunity to put United into a 3-0 lead. Lingard on the other hand, has had a very good season, scoring many important goals.
#1 Centre-forward
Striker: Romelu Lukaku
The big Belgian has not been finding the net as much as he would have liked, given his high standards. However, he has proven himself to be a big team player and Jose Mourinho strongly likes this.
Having got a goal against Crystal Palace, Lukaku went on to put in a shift at centre-back during the final few minutes. Against Liverpool, although he didn't get clear chances he was pivotal in creating both goals, with his header proving decisive leading up to the first goal. United will be looking for a big performance again from Lukaku on Tuesday.
