Manchester United will be looking to get back to winning ways when they kick-off their Carabao Cup campaign against Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Thursday evening.
United, who were knocked out of the competition at the third round stage last season, losing 1-0 at home to West Ham United, will be determined to inflict revenge on Unai Emery's side following Sunday's 3-1 league defeat at Villa Park. That marked the end of the Reds' nine-game unbeaten run, meaning they will be determined to get back on track at the first attempt.
United, however, have been in good form on their own patch in recent weeks, winning four of their last five home matches, keeping five clean sheets in the process. They have turned Old Trafford back into some sort of fortress again and will be looking to utilise that against Villa, who will also have ambitions of making it into the fourth round draw.
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Although United are just two games away from the season being paused for the World Cup, the visit of Villa will represent their 12th fixture since the start of October, meaning tired bodies and tired minds are likely to be stacking up within the squad. That means Erik ten Hag, for the first time in his tenure, could make several changes for his second meeting with Unai Emery in less than a week.
That means on-loan Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka could be awarded his debut between the sticks. He was signed on transfer deadline day to provide back-up and competition for David de Gea and has not had so much as a sniff so far. It is the ideal time to award him some minutes.
Ahead of him, you can almost guarantee to see some changes to the back-four. Diogo Dalot, however, is likely to retain his place at right-back, given he is suspended for Sunday's trip to Fulham in the Premier League.
Harry Maguire is likely to be recalled to the starting line-up and could partner Lisandro Martinez. Tyrell Malacia could replace Luke Shaw at left-back, handing the latter a rest.
In midfield, Casemiro, who has been included in Brazil's World Cup squad, deserves a breather, paving the way for Scott McTominay to earn his first start since the Manchester derby at the start of last month. Christian Eriksen, too, could also make way, paving the way for Fred to come in.
Bruno Fernandes might get the nod to return in the attacking-midfield berth. He was suspended at the weekend and Donny van de Beek, in his absence, failed to take his chance.
In attack, all eyes will be on whether Cristiano Ronaldo keeps his place. He has struggled for form this season and could be replaced by Anthony Martial though the middle, should the Frenchman be in a strong enough position to start. Anthony Elanga and Jadon Sancho, should he return from illness, could take up residency in the wide areas.
Predicted line-up vs Aston Villa: Dubravka; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Malacia; McTominay, Fred, Fernandes; Elanga, Martial, Sancho.
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