Manchester United seem to have broken out of their slump, as they won their third game in a row, defeating Zorya, in the Europa League group stage on Thursday. They’ll look to continue their good run of results when they go up against Stoke City on Sunday.
Let’s take a look at the possible lineup.
GK- David de Gea
gettySergio Romero got the start in the Europa League game on Thursday, but de Gea is still the number one goalie.
LB- Daley Blind
Luke Shaw missed the game on Thursday due to illness, so it is unclear what his status will be for the game on Sunday. Daley Blind has played well at left back anyway, so there is no reason to rush Shaw back into action before he is fully fit.
CB- Chris Smalling and Eric Bailly
This duo did well in Manchester United’s last EPL match against Leicester City last weekend, and they both helped United earn a shutout victory over Zorya on Thursday. They both deserve to stay in the lineup against Stoke City.
RB- Antonio Valencia
Valencia is averaging an impressive 2.5 tackles per game for Manchester United so far this season, while also completing 88.8% of his passes. He has provided a strong defensive contribution, and he has helped Manchester United keep possession, making him one of the team’s most important players so far this season.
CM- Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera
Pogba is going to start every league game if he is fit, so his inclusion here is no surprise. Ander Herrera had a very good game against Leicester City last weekend, so I expect to see him get more playing time at the expense of Fellaini.
AML- Marcus Rashford
Rashford has gotten a good amount of playing time at this position despite being a natural striker. He has scored 2 goals in 3 games as an AML this year, so Mourinho might as well continue to play him there until it stops working.
AMC- Juan Mata
Juan Mata has looked impressive in the #10 role for Manchester United this season, and he is likely to feature in that role against Stoke on Sunday. However, Henrikh Mkhitaryan could take over at this position eventually if he ever gets fit and finds his form.
AMR- Anthony Martial
Martial was dealing with a concussion and then a calf injury over the past couple of weeks, but he returned to action in the game against Zorya on Thursday. He has not gotten off to a good start this season, but there is still hope that he can rediscover his great form from last year.
ST- Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan scored the only goal in the match against Zorya on Thursday. He is paid to put the ball in the back of the net, and he has done exactly that so far this season.
(4-2-3-1)
Via – Lineup Builder
