Predicted Manchester United XI v Omonia Nicosia

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Manchester United are in action in the Europa League tonight, seeking to bounce back from a derby defeat.

The opponent are Cypriot side Omonia Nicosia, who sit bottom of the group with two defeats. United are heavily favoured to win despite likely rotation.

Changes are expected, partly due to reaction to the derby, also injury, and also bearing in mind the upcoming Premier League match on Sunday away at Everton.

United named a 22-man travelling squad for the trip, flying out to Cyprus on Wednesday afternoon after a training session and press conference at Carrington.

Predicted Manchester United XI v Omonia Nicosia

United have to get the balance right for this fixture. An opening defeat to Real Sociedad puts pressure on to keep winning these group games, so Erik ten Hag is not free to make wholesale rotation changes yet.

Working through the XI, we are forecasting six changes, with the attacking positions harder to predict than the defensive ones.

David de Gea is expected to start in goal, although Martin Dubravka has rejoined the squad. The Slovakian could feature later in the group stages.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka is out injured, so Diogo Dalot will likely continue at right-back. The first change could come at left-back, with Luke Shaw given a chance to impress and make his first start for United since August.

United’s centre-backs will be Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez together for the first time, with Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane both out injured.

United’s midfield should see Casemiro start, as part of a trio with Brazil teammate Fred and Bruno Fernandes.

Ten Hag needs to give Christian Eriksen a rest, and this is a chance for Casemiro to pick up some momentum and aim to secure a more regular spot.

The front three is tougher to predict. Antony Martial could come in, but we are anticipating he gets saved for Sunday’s game instead. United won’t want to risk his fitness with two games in four days. It’s possible Ronaldo and Martial each get 45 minutes.

This would leave us with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the line, and Marcus Rashford and Anthony Elanga on the flanks, with Jadon Sancho and Antony rested.

Facundo Pellistri and Alejandro Garnacho are exciting options to bring off the bench but are unlikely to be in the line-up, having started a EFL Trophy game 28 hours earlier.