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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Freddie Keighley

Man Utd predicted line-up vs Real Betis with FOUR Liverpool flops to be dropped

Erik ten Hag is expected to show his ruthless side as Manchester United host Real Betis in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.

The Red Devils are reeling from their 7-0 defeat by Liverpool last Sunday but must put that behind them as they bid to progress in Europe. United welcome Spanish side Real Betis to Old Trafford on Thursday night before travelling to Seville for the second leg one week later.

Four changes are expected to the starting XI that was humiliated at Anfield at the weekend, starting with one in defence. Diogo Dalot endured a dismal evening up against Liverpool forwards Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez, so Aaron Wan-Bissaka could come in at right-back.

Alongside the Englishman, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw may complete the back four despite their abject performances on Merseyside. Ten Hag remains without the services of injured trio Christian Eriksen, Donny van de Beek and Marcel Sabitzer, so his options in midfield are limited.

Brazilian duo Casemiro and Fred formed the double-pivot against Liverpool but only the former is expected to keep his spot, with Scott McTominay coming into the side for the latter. Ten Hag's changes may be most evident in attack, where half of the quartet that started against Liverpool could make way for a fresh injection of impetus.

What is your scoreline prediction for the first leg between Manchester United and Real Betis? Have your say in the comments!

Diogo Dalot (left) could make way for Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Bruno Fernandes - despite all of the criticism aimed at him in recent days - and Marcus Rashford are likely to keep their spots in the starting XI. Wout Weghorst and Antony may not be so fortunate, with Alejandro Garnacho and Jadon Sancho pushing for recalls against the Spanish club, who sit fifth in the La Liga table after holding defending champions Real Madrid to a goalless draw last weekend.

Speaking ahead of the fixture, Ten Hag confirmed striker Anthony Martial is still building fitness after a hip issue, which was the latest in a long string of injuries. Elsewhere, Sabitzer, who is on loan from Bayern Munich, is unavailable due to a knock but could return ahead of Sunday's Premier League fixture with Southampton.

Manchester United players battled the elements during training on Wednesday (Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

"We have a strong programme," Ten Hag told MUTV. "But I think we are quite good. The only disappointment is Marcel Sabitzer is not available, as well as Anthony Martial. Anthony Martial is back on the pitch, so we will see. For the rest, everyone is available and we are ready for the game.''

Manchester United predicted XI to face Real Betis (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, McTominay; Sancho, Fernandes, Garnacho; Rashford.

Real Betis predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Rui Silva; Sabaly, Luiz Felipe, Edgar, Miranda; Carvalho, Rodriguez; Henrique, Canales, Juanmi; Willian Jose.

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