This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
After securing their second successive away win in as many games, Manchester United make the trip to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup.
The Red Devils enjoyed a pretty impressive week, halting Liverpool in their tracks at Old Trafford, before beating both Partizan Belgrade and Norwich away from home in quick succession.
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Focus now turns towards the League Cup, and whilst Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would no doubt want to bring a trophy home, it provides a great chance for him to give some key players a rest and use some of the club’s talented young prospects. And with that in mind, below is a look at just how United could line-up when they take on Frank Lampard’s men.
As a cup competition, Sergio Romero will likely once again relieve David de Gea of goalkeeper duties on Wednesday night, and will look to build upon the clean sheet against Partizan Belgrade last Thursday. In front of him, Solskjaer arguably faces his biggest call with whether to revert to a back-five. The Norwegian used it against Liverpool and in the Europa League, but switched back to an orthodox four-man defence against Norwich at the weekend.
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But with Lampard’s men firing on all cylinders after a comprehensive 4-2 victory over Burnley, Solskjaer may feel he needs some added defensive protection with an extra centre-back. As such, Marcos Rojo could come back in from the bench, whilst Phil Jones will hope to get a chance after a particularly impressive display out in Serbia.
Similarly, Brandon Williams will have his fingers crossed that he gets another shot, whilst Wan-Bissaka should keep his place on the right-hand side. In midfield, Scott McTominay could be partnered by 18-year-old James Garner, and Jesse Lingard could be given a massive opportunity to finally kick-start his season. The England international has been in wretched form this year, registering no goals and just one assist.
And despite both of them getting on the score-sheet at Carrow Road, Solskjaer may be mindful of the fitness of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, and thus look to rest them on Wednesday night. That could mean Daniel James operating through the middle, with teenage starlet Mason Greenwood alongside him to spearhead the attack.
