Manchester United vs. RB Leipzig: Predicted Line-up and Preview

The last of the Champions League commences later this evening. Manchester United welcomes an in-form Bundesliga side, RB Leipzig.

It has always been tricky to tell which system and players Ole Gunner Solskjær will use when it comes to big games. He approaches different games with different personnel thus the lineup will not be easily guessed.

Here is the expected starting XI against RB Leipzig (4-2-3-1)

Defence

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In goal, expect David de Gea to start after a terrific display against Paris Saint Germain in matchday 1. He will be shielded by a back four of Harry Maguire & Victor Lindelöf while Aaron Wan-Bissaka plays on right back and Alex on the left.

Midfield

In the middle, expect Fred and Scott McTominay to act as a double pivot. These two have started in all three games since the international break.

Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood will appear on the left flank and right flank respectively, leaving Bruno Fernandes in the number 10 role just behind the sole forward.

Forward

After receiving a red card in the league, the Champions League is the only competition Anthony Martial can get game into his feet. He started earlier this month against PSG and is expected to return against the German’s finest.

Form guide:

Manchester United

League: P: 5 – W: 2 – D:1 – L: 2 (GF: 9 – GA:12)
UCL: P:1 – W: 1 (GF: 2 – GA: 1)

RB Leipzig

League: P: 5 – W:4 – D:1 – L:0 (GF: 12 – GA: 3)
UCL: P:1 – W:1 (GF: 2 – GA: 0)

Recent Form

United ended the 2019/20 Premier League season in third place, a closing run of 14 games without defeat enabling them to qualify for the UEFA Champions League group stage.

The Red Devils had a rough start to the Premier League winning only two of their five opening games. They have strong Champions League hopes which makes this tie a must-win scenario.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side claimed all three points at the Parc des Princes thanks to goals from Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford.

RB Leipzig will also be entering this game with immense confidence after winning 5 of 6 opening games of the 2020/21 campaign, including last week’s victory over Istanbul Başakşehir in the UCL.

Team News

Deadline day transfer Edinson Cavani might get a nod in the second half of the game to face the German side along with Paul Pogba, who is comfortable with cameos recently.

Solskajer’s side has no major injuries and will likely put up a strong side against RB Leipzig.

The RB Leipzig squad is currently suffering from many absentees with the likes of Marcel Halstenberg, Lukas Klostermann and Nordi Mukiele being injured for the next few weeks and not available for contention.

Defender Konate returns after being absent for over 12 months due to injury.

Julian Nagelsmann is short of options in midfield as Konrad Laimer, Amadou Haidara and Tyler Adams are all out.

Next. Is Donny Van der Beek one for Solskjær?. dark

Match Info:

Venue: Old Trafford (Manchester, England)
Date: Wednesday, 28 October 2020
Kickoff: 22:00 (CAT)
Referee: Matej Jug (SVN)
Assistant referees: Tomaž Klančnik (SVN) and Grega Kordež (SVN)
Video Assistant Referee:José María Sánchez (ESP)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Bas Nijhuis (NED)
Fourth official: Pawel Gil (POL)

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