Manchester United will be aiming to progress to the quarter-finals of the Europa League when they face Real Betis in the second leg of their last-16 showdown at the Benito Villamarin Stadium on Thursday evening.
United, who previously won the competition in 2017, are in a strong position to reach the last-eight after winning last week's first-leg 4-1 at Old Trafford. After seeing Ayoze Perez cancel out Marcus Rashford's first-half opener, the Reds rallied in the second half, courtesy of goals from Antony, Bruno Fernandes and Wout Weghorst to seal a comfortable win.
However, the Reds, although they were not helped by Casemiro's first-half dismissal, failed to build on that victory at the weekend, playing out a goalless stalemate with Southampton, meaning they will be keen to get back to winning ways and finish the job against Betis.
READ MORE: United squad for Real Betis fixture confirmed
United have just two games left before they pause for the international break, meaning manager Erik ten Hag will be keen to head into the hiatus on the back of two victories. After facing Betis, United host Fulham in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup at Old Trafford on Sunday.
That means, taking the Reds' 4-1 aggregate lead into account, Ten Hag could be tempted to make a couple of changes for the trip to Seville and award opportunities to some players. However, David de Gea is expected to retain his place in goal and start between the sticks.
The Spaniard has started all of United's nine Europa League matches this season and will be determined to add to his collection of clean sheets; he has kept four in the competition so far this season.
Ahead of the Spaniard, Ten Hag could make two changes to the back-four that started against Southampton. Diogo Dalot will be pushing for a recall after being dropped to the bench at the weekend and could replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Harry Maguire, considering the tie is all but wrapped up, could also come into the side and replace Raphael Varane, allowing the Frenchman a breather ahead of facing Fulham at the weekend. Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw are likely to keep their places.
Though Casemiro is just one booking away from a Europa League ban, Ten Hag has confirmed that he will be involved against Betis. Fernandes, too, is set to start, despite also being at risk of a ban.
The duo are likely to be joined in midfield by Fred, who was dropped to the bench at the weekend. The Brazilian has started each of United's last three Europa League fixtures.
It is in attack where Ten Hag has a couple of big decisions to make. There have been arguments for him to hand a first United start to Facundo Pellistri and award Rashford, who is the joint-top goalscorer in the Europa League this season, a rare rest.
However, judging by how Ten Hag stressed the tie is not over during his pre-match press conference on Wednesday evening, Rashford could keep his place. He could be joined in the front-three by Jadon Sancho and Weghorst.
Alejandro Garnacho and Antony are unavailable through injury and illness, respectively. Anthony Martial has also not been included in the travelling squad.
United predicted line-up vs Real Betis: De Gea; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Fred, Fernandes; Sancho, Weghorst, Rashford.
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