Predicted Manchester United line-up v Real Sociedad

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The final game of the Europa League campaign takes place tonight with Manchester United travelling to Real Sociedad.

The 5.45pm kick-off sees United needing a win by two clear goals to secure top spot in the group. Fail to do so, and United will have to play an extra knockout tie next year against a Champions League drop-down team, which could be Barcelona.

Injuries are impacting both teams, with Sociedad missing several first team stars, while Manchester United are without Antony, Anthony Martial, Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane.

These injuries provided a conundrum for Erik ten Hag to solve, although Victor Lindelof is fit again after missing the weekend match with West Ham due to illness.

Predicted Manchester United line-up v Real Sociedad

This game is a real must-win and Erik ten Hag will be picking his best available team. This will see David de Gea continue in goal as usual.

Recently Tyrell Malacia has been switching in for Europa League matches, but we expect Luke Shaw to start this game after re-establishing himself as first choice left-back.

Diogo Dalot is another must-start at right-back, with Lisandro Martinez at centre-back. The big choice in defence is who will partner the ever-present Argentine.

A week ago Victor Lindelof was ahead in the pecking order, but his illness gave Harry Maguire a chance at the weekend, and he took it.

With Lindelof only just returning to training yesterday, we expect Maguire to get the start against Sociedad, allowing United to line up with the same back four as at the weekend.

Manchester United’s midfield should pick itself quite easily. Casemiro and Christian Eriksen will start, along with Bruno Fernandes.

Fernandes is suspended at the weekend against Villa, so he won’t be holding anything back tonight. The attack is an area with far more questions, with Antony, Sancho, and Martial all staying at home.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford look set to start the game. Then there will likely be an inexperienced option joining them.

Anthony Elanga is the safe option, who started at the weekend, and notably in the victory over Liverpool earlier in the season.

Alejandro Garnacho would be the bold choice, with Facundo Pellistri an unlikely left-field option, who does have experience playing against Sociedad during his time on loan at Alaves.

Another alternative might be to select Donny van de Beek, in either a wide role, or play him centrally and shift Fernandes out to the right.

But given the Dutchman’s lack of action this season due to injury, this may be an in-game tactical decision to make, rather than a starting option.

We predict Elanga will get the nod, with Ten Hag explaining he was pleased with his performance at the weekend.