With tonight’s Carabao Cup clash edging ever closer, it’s time to predict which side Eddie Howe will go with for the 8.15pm kick-off at Old Trafford.
Keeping in mind injuries, fatigue and our busy schedule, here’s the XI we’re expecting to see:
(4-3-3): Pope – Livramento, Lascelles, Dummett, Targett – Longstaff, Bruno, Willock – Almiron, Gordon, Joelinton.
OUT: Trippier, Schar, Burn, Wilson? IN: Livramento, Dummett, Targett, Willock?
Starting in defence, I can see Howe opting for the same back five that were superb in keeping a clean sheet against Man City in the last round. Livramento was outstanding that night, as were Dummett and Targett. Not only that, Trippier looked like a player in need of a rest on Saturday, Schar may need to be protected with Botman facing an extended spell on the sidelines and Burn is another who looked shattered at the weekend.
In midfield, our options to rotate are very limited with Tonali, Anderson and Miley all out. It’s tough to say if Willock is ready to start this one, but he’s come through two cameos now and could be dangerous against a slow Man Utd midfield. Hall came into midfield in the last round and could well come off the bench after an hour, or so.
Ideally, we’d be in a position to rest Bruno and/or Joelinton, but we may need the latter to play out wide if Gordon starts as a false nine. I can’t see Wilson playing four times in just over a week – he’s another who needs protecting while Isak is out – and Howe has often talked up Gordon’s ability to act as an emergency striker after impressing in this role for England’s U21s over the summer.
Ideally, we’d bring Murphy in for Almiron, but his dislocated shoulder and our limited options in attack may see Miggy start again. Matt Ritchie is an option but I’d be surprised to see him start.
