Build Up
Edinson Cavani proved that there is still a lot of fight left in Manchester United as he led the comeback win against Southampton on Sunday. Now, the focus shifts to the Champions League and Cavani’s former team PSG who visit Old Trafford on Wednesday. There is no doubt Cavani had these matches circled once he signed with United after being released by PSG over the summer.
United have fared well in Europe with three wins from four so far and currently top Group H, with PSG and German side RB Leipzig just behind in a close race for the knockout stages of the tournament. A point in the last two matches will advance United to the knockout round. If United didn’t stumble in Istanbul this match wouldn’t be important because they would have secured advancement, but United hold the future in their hands entering Wednesday’s match.
Manchester United Team News
The incredible amount of matches are starting to take a toll on the team. David De Gea could miss the match after he was replaced at halftime in the victory over Southampton. Alex Telles also was withdrawn early and appeared to be holding his groin in the final minutes of the match.
Anthony Martial is also a doubt for this one as he missed our last game through illness, while Eric Bailly, Jesse Lingard, and Paul Pogba are expected to miss out with respective injuries. Axel Tuanzebe is suspended for this match after picking up three yellow cards in the group stages already this season.
Potential Lineup
With De Gea’s knee injury, Dean Henderson could be the keeper of choice on Wednesday. I am excited to see how he performs on such a grand stage. Assuming Telles is healthy, expect the backline from previous matches; Telles, Maguire, Lindelof, and Wan-Bissaka.
Donny Van de Beek posted a nasty swollen ankle picture on social media but he is expected to recover in time and could feature with Matic and Fred with Fernandes in his attacking midfield role. Upfront could be Rashford and Cavani or Rashford and Greenwood but as much as Cavani has been looking forward to this match, it will take a lot for him not to be on the pitch at kickoff.
Opposition Watch
PSG isn’t faring much better in terms of injury issues. Julian Draxler, who has a thigh problem, Thilo Kehrer, and Juan Bernat will certainly be unavailable through long-term injuries. PSG’s lineup could go a million different ways but one this certain, The star men are, as always, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, the latter of whom is gunning for his 100th PSG goal in just 136 games for the club.
The two most expensive players in football history are expected to be joined in the forward line by former United flop Angel Di Maria, while Wednesday should also see a return to Old Trafford for Ander Herrera.
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