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Predicted XI: Who starts at CB for Manchester United vs Villarreal?

By Varun Aithal

FILE PHOTO (EDITORS NOTE: COMPOSITE OF IMAGES - Image numbers 1065112934, 1152467118, 1139964960 - GRADIENT ADDED) In this composite image a comparison has been made between Unai Emery, Head Coach of Villarreal CF and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Manager of Manchester United. Villarreal CF and Manchester United meet in the Europa League Final on May 26,2021 at the Gdansk Arena in Gdansk,Poland. ***LEFT IMAGE*** BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 25: Unai Emery, Manager of Arsenal looks on prior to the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Arsenal FC at Vitality Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Bournemouth, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) ***CENTER IMAGE*** BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - MAY 29: A detailed view of the Europa League Trophy is seen prior to the UEFA Europa League Final between Chelsea and Arsenal at Baku Olimpiya Stadionu on May 29, 2019 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) ***RIGHT IMAGE*** WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 02: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Manager of Manchester United looks on prior to the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United at Molineux on April 02, 2019 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
FILE PHOTO (EDITORS NOTE: COMPOSITE OF IMAGES - Image numbers 1065112934, 1152467118, 1139964960 - GRADIENT ADDED) In this composite image a comparison has been made between Unai Emery, Head Coach of Villarreal CF and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Manager of Manchester United. Villarreal CF and Manchester United meet in the Europa League Final on May 26,2021 at the Gdansk Arena in Gdansk,Poland. ***LEFT IMAGE*** BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 25: Unai Emery, Manager of Arsenal looks on prior to the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Arsenal FC at Vitality Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Bournemouth, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) ***CENTER IMAGE*** BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - MAY 29: A detailed view of the Europa League Trophy is seen prior to the UEFA Europa League Final between Chelsea and Arsenal at Baku Olimpiya Stadionu on May 29, 2019 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) ***RIGHT IMAGE*** WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 02: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Manager of Manchester United looks on prior to the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United at Molineux on April 02, 2019 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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Manchester United will face Villarreal in the Europa League final on Wednesday in Poland, in pursuit of their first-ever title under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Red Devils haven’t won a trophy since 2017 and will look to win the title at Stadion Miejski. On the other hand, Villarreal faced defeat against Real Madrid in La Liga which affected their final league standings.

Unai Emery’s men have missed out on the Europa League qualification and only a win can salvage their season.

In the semifinals, Manchester United defeated AS Roma (aggregate 8-5) whereas the Yellow Submarine beat Arsenal (aggregate 2-1) over the two legs to book their spot in the final. Unai Emery sent his previous side packing in the Europa League semifinals 2020/21.

Team news for the two finalists

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer rotated heavily and fielded a young side against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux in their final Premier League game. Ole rested most of the starters so that they’re in top condition for the final.

However, Anthony Martial hasn’t travelled with the team because he was unable to recover from a thigh injury. The French international got injured during the international break in March.

Unai Emery has no real injury concerns ahead of the Europa League final, except for one player. Juan Foyth, the loanee, is the only player who is facing the race against the time to prove his fitness for the game.

Etienne Capoue was suspended for the game against Arsenal but will be available for selection against Manchester United.

How should the two teams line up? Which players might miss out?

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has big calls to make ahead of the Europa League final. The manager might opt for David De Gea instead of Dean Henderson in between the sticks, as he has done in the past four Europa League games.

Harry Maguire is struggling for match fitness, and whoever replaces him in the lineup will play a huge role in determining Manchester United’s fortunes.

Fans and pundits expect Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford to start alongside Edinson Cavani in the attacking front for Red Devils.

As for Villarreal, one thing I noticed in the hard-fought victory against Arsenal over the two legs, was that Geronimo Rulli was not convincing between the sticks for Villarreal. Sergio Asenjo could replace him in goal even though Rulli has been the choice for Europa League games.

Etienne Capoue may start alongside Dani Parejo and Manuel Trigueros in the midfield.

After an impressive season in 2020/21, Gerard Moreno is sure starter upfront for Unai Emery on Wednesday.

Predicted XI for Manchester United

"Goalkeeper: David de GeaDefenders: Aaron Wan Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Victor Lindelof, Luke ShawMidfielders: Scott McTominay, Fred, Bruno Fernandes, Paul PogbaForwards: Edinson Cavani, Marcus Rashford"

Predicted XI for Villarreal

"Goalkeeper: Sergio AsenjoDefenders: Alfonso Pedraza, Pau Torres, Raul Albiol, Mario GasparMidfielders: Etienne Capoue, Dani Parejo, Manuel TriguerosForwards: Yeremi Pino, Gerard Moreno, Carlos Bacca"

Match Prediction

Manchester United have faced Villarreal three times in the history of European football and all three games have remained goalless.

Next. Premier League 2020-21 Best XI – Does Manchester City steal the show?. dark

Red Devils are in fine form and, on paper, are a better team than Villarreal. We can expect Manchester United to lift the trophy at Gdansk on Wednesday. Anything can happen though. It’s going to be fun.

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