Manchester United will face Stoke City at Old Trafford on Tuesday evening fresh from a comfortable 3-1 win over Derby County in Friday’s FA Cup encounter.
Louis van Gaal’s side, however, were easily beaten by Stoke in the reverse fixture on Boxing Day, just over a month ago.
Despite that, the Reds have lost just one of their seven matches since, and will be hoping they can use some momentum and earn three points against the Potters.
With the Reds needing a win to stay in contention for a Champions League place, here’s our Predicted XI for Tuesday’s match.
GK: David De Gea
He’s only missed one game since his summer move to Real Madrid broke down, and De Gea’s presence in goal has been one of few positives for United this term.
RB: Guillermo Varela
Played very well against Derby on Friday, especially in an attacking sense. It would be a shame to see him lose his place for this match.
CB: Chris Smalling
Easily United’s best defender this season, and the Reds’ back four would be significantly weakened if he wasn’t included in it on Tuesday.
CB: Daley Blind
The Dutchman seems to have made the centre back position his own, although that’s probably down to a lack of competition for places and injuries.
LB: Cameron Borthwick-Jackson
Louis van Gaal rarely throws players straight back into action from the start after an injury, so its unlikely that Matteo Darmian will be lining up for this one. However, Borthwick-Jackson has looked more than assured in his few United appearances so far.
CM: Morgan Schneiderlin
The Frenchman played 74 minutes against Derby and should therefore be fresh enough to start this match
CM: Michael Carrick
Played in the closing stages of Friday’s match after an injury. The midfield duo used against Derby of Schneiderlin and Marouane Fellaini isn’t the most creative, and that could be the cue for Carrick’s return.
RM: Jesse Lingard
The main contender for Lingard’s place in the team is Memphis Depay, but he hasn’t started a game since United last faced Stoke. The young Englishman also played well against Derby, providing the assist for Daley Blind’s goal, meaning he’s likely to keep his place.
CAM: Juan Mata
Returned to the starting line up against Derby and played well, so the Spaniard should keep his place in the side.
LM: Anthony Martial
Another terrific performance from the Frenchman on Friday means it would be unthinkable to see Martial dropped come Tuesday evening.
ST: Wayne Rooney
Rooney was dropped the last time United faced Stoke, and he has been better for it ever since. The Reds’ captain has scored six goals in the resulting seven matches, so he would be greatly missed if he doesn’t start this match.