This is it. The big one. The one that Louis van Gaal and Manchester United cannot lose. An entire season hinges on this one game.
And the Reds have it all to do after losing 2-0 to Liverpool in the first leg of their round of 16 Europa League tie at Anfield. It was a dismal effort from United and one that they will be hoping to rectify in the second leg.
Old Trafford is expected to be a cauldron of noise when both teams walk out the tunnel at about 8 o’clock tomorrow night, and the side will need every bit of it if they are to overturn a two-goal deficit against Jürgen Klopp’s side.
The team news is positive for United – with Ashley Young and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson returning to training at Carrington today. However, Young, Borthwick-Jackson and Antonio Valencia will not be involved against Liverpool, with all three lacking match fitness.
So, who gets our nod to start the biggest match of the season?
GK - David de Gea
The undisputed number one between the sticks.
RB - Guillermo Varela
Has been one of United’s best players in recent weeks, and keeps his place for the big one.
CB - Chris Smalling
The Maidstone Maldini will have to be at his very best tomorrow night – United can not afford to concede.
CB - Daley Blind
A lack of options means Blind will start – and same as Smalling – will have to be at his very best in defence.
LB - Joe Riley
Perhaps a left-field choice, but I think United need to be aggressive from the get-go and Riley can bring that attacking presence at left-back.
CM - Bastian Schweinsteiger
Louis van Gaal may have said that the German will not be starting in his pre-match press conference, but I’m calling his bluff. He has to start.
CM - Morgan Schneiderlin
Next to Schweinsteiger must be Schneiderlin, the more defensive presence in the midfield. His performance will be crucial to United not conceding early on.
RM - Jesse Lingard
The winger missed the first leg through suspension and he’ll most probably slot in on the right-hand side of midfield.
CAM - Ander Herrera
This game needs someone with a bit of a nasty streak in them, fighting for every ball. Herrera is that man, and he replaces Juan Mata in the hole.
LM - Memphis Depay
If there was ever a game for Memphis to show what he’s truly capable of, it’s this one. Time to make yourself a United hero.
ST - Anthony Martial
The Frenchman announced himself to the world with THAT goal at Old Trafford, and he’ll lead the line tommorow night.