Manchester United will be looking to bounce back from Sunday's humiliating 7-0 defeat to Liverpool when they face Real Betis in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 clash at Old Trafford on Thursday evening.
United, who have never faced the Spanish side in a competitive fixture, will be determined to get the weekend's events at Anfield out of their system at the first available opportunity. The Reds capitulated in the second half, conceding six times without reply, marking their heaviest defeat in almost 100 years.
Defeat on Merseyside brought an end to their 11-game unbeaten run, meaning they will be eager to launch another good run of form against Betis, who are currently fifth in the La Liga standings. The Reds have faced Spanish opposition four times in the Europa League already this season, including their famous win over Barcelona in the last round of the competition.
READ MORE: Marcus Rashford hits back at critics after Liverpool defeat
Having overcome Barcelona last month, United are one of the favourites to win the Europa League this season but will have to significantly up their game after Sunday's events at Anfield. Ten Hag is expected to make a few changes to his starting line-up with nobody's position in the side considered to be completely safe.
However, David de Gea is expected to continue in goal against Manuel Pellegrini's side. The Spaniard has started all of the Reds' eight games in the Europa League this season and will be going in search of his fifth clean sheet in the competition this term.
Ahead of De Gea, Ten Hag could hand a recall to right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The former Crystal Palace man was left on the bench at the weekend and watched fellow right-back Diogo Dalot have a torrid afternoon, meaning he will fancy his chances of winning his place back.
Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez both experienced off days at Anfield, but are expected to keep their places against Betis. Luke Shaw could also keep his place despite having a difficult time of it against Jurgen Klopp's charges.
In midfield, Casemiro and Fred are expected to continue at the base of the midfield-three. Marcel Sabitzer would have been in contention to replace the latter but has been ruled out by Ten Hag. Bruno Fernandes could return to his more natural role and start in the attacking midfield position.
Up front, despite producing a poor performance at Anfield, Ten Hag could persevere with Antony, allowing him to start on the right of the front-three. Jadon Sancho, however, could come into the side and replace Wout Weghorst, allowing Marcus Rashford to start through the middle.
Alejandro Garnacho will also be among the attackers hoping for a starting berth. Anthony Martial remains unavailable through injury.
United predicted line-up vs Real Betis: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Fred, Fernandes; Antony, Rashford, Sancho.
READ NEXT:
