Predicted Manchester United line-up v Sheriff Tiraspol

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Manchester United are looking for a fourth successive Europa League win tonight, against Sheriff Tiraspol.

United beat Sheriff Tiraspol 2-0 in Moldova, dominating from the first whistle. It is essential to get all three points tonight, to stay in touch with group leaders Real Sociedad.

Erik ten Hag has to strike the right balance tonight between rotating his side after a tough stretch of Premier League fixtures, and a game against West Ham on Sunday, while still sending out a side he is confident will win.

We are predicting six changes tonight to the team which lined up against Chelsea, rather than the full 11.

Asked about the prospect of giving Facundo Pellistri a run-out, Ten Hag responded by saying the Uruguayan must first prove himself. The best he can hope for is likely a chance form the bench.

Predicted Manchester United line-up v Sheriff Tiraspol

Expect David de Gea to continue in goal. Martin Dubravka’s wait will come to an end in the Carabao Cup in a fortnight instead.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka has returned to training, but he won’t be rushed into the team. Diogo Dalot will start at right-back.

Tyrell Malacia will continue rotating with Luke Shaw by switching in for this game. The England star will probably return at the weekend.

At centre-back there could be two changes. Victor Lindelof will replace the injured Raphael Varane.

The second change could see Harry Maguire make his return. While Ten Hag would prefer to use Lisandro Martinez, the Argentine is one yellow card away from a suspension which would cause him to miss the final group game at Real Sociedad. It does not seem worth the risk, with Maguire back in training.

In midfield the partnership of Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay are likely to start. McTominay has not started any of the last four games, so will come in to give Casemiro a break. Eriksen has only started one of the last three, and United may need him to set the tone for a win.

Ever present Bruno Fernandes will also likely start. Donny van de Beek could make the bench.

The big news is Cristiano Ronaldo could return up front. This is one way to stop the talk, let the forward try and produce on the pitch.

Marcus Rashford needs a rest ahead of the weekend, and has also failed to score in the last three games. Anthony Martial is not yet ready to return.

On the flanks we could see Anthony Elanga brought back into the side, while Jadon Sancho could shift to the right, giving Antony a rest.

Both Facundo Pellistri and Alejandro Garnacho will be on the bench. If United can take an early lead and make light work of this game, we could see both in the second half.