Manchester United continue the club’s FA Cup campaign on Saturday night with a home match against Championship side Reading.
The 8pm kick-off at Old Trafford sees United host the 14th ranked Championship team, who have just 11 wins from 28 games this season.
Paul Ince is in charge of the Royals, who have former Liverpool flop Andy Carroll leading their attack in this fourth round tie.
Erik ten Hag‘s challenge is to name a strong enough side to win, while rotating his squad and giving necessary rest to players who require it.
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Predicted Manchester United XI
David de Gea returned to the Carabao Cup starting line-up in midweek, so he is expected to get a rest in this fixture.
While Jack Butland will be under consideration, Tom Heaton is the most likely starter, having played well and kept a clean sheet in his previous start, the Carabao Cup quarter-final.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka will continue at right-back, with Tyrell Malacia also at left-back, after Luke Shaw was ‘ill’ in midweek.
After serving a suspension in midweek, Harry Maguire will return to the line-up to make his first start since the win over Charlton.
Maguire’s partner is expected to be Raphael Varane, who was rested in midweek. Victor Lindelof will also be considered, while Lisandro Martinez should be rested.
Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes could both be rested after playing 90 minutes against Nottingham Forest.
This could see United utilise Fred and Scott McTominay in central midfield, with Christian Eriksen playing the more attacking role.
In attack Marcus Rashford could also get the start. He played just 56 minutes against Forest, with Ten Hag looking to keep him fresh.
With United weaker than usual in other phase, starting Rashford could be crucial. He is also looking to equal Dennis Viollet’s record for scoring 10 goals in a row in matches at Old Trafford.
Wout Weghorst could lead the line in his first match at Old Trafford after three appearances in away games.
There is also expected to be a first ever Manchester United start for Facundo Pellistri on United’s right wing, after two impressive substitute appearances.
He earned praise from Erik ten Hag after his display against Forest, and his teammates, and his involvement would also give Antony a rest.
On the bench will be midfielders Kobbie Mainoo and Zidane Iqbal, with Anthony Elanga and Alejandro Garnacho options in attack.
Jadon Sancho might be involved. If he is, Sancho would be re-introduced as a substitute rather than as a starter.
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