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Ighalo and Bailly start, Predicted Manchester United lineup (4-2-3-1) to face Derby County

Manchester United are scheduled to face Derby County in Thursday’s FA Cup fifth round tie on the road. The Red Devils have remained unbeaten over the past nine games in all competitions but there have been a few disappointing stalemates.

For the upcoming clash, United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is likely to make changes to the starting XI ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby. Odion Ighalo, Eric Bailly and Sergio Romero are among those, who could face the Championship side from the beginning.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Predicted Lineup:

Sergio Romero has been the regular in goal for the Cup competitions and Solskjaer has already confirmed that the Argentine will start between the posts. The 33-year-old has kept seven clean sheets from the previous eight appearances for United.

In the defence, Aaron Wan-Bissaka is set to miss out after picking up a back problem against Everton last weekend. In this case, Diogo Dalot is expected to start on the right side of the backline. Elsewhere, Solskjaer may consider a solitary change at the heart of the defence. We are anticipating Eric Bailly to replace Victor Lindelof. At left-back, Brandon Williams should get the nod over Luke Shaw.

In the centre of the park, Solskjaer may revert to a two-man combination. Nemanja Matic and Fred could take up the places. Scott McTominay has made back-to-back appearances for United following his recovery from a knee ligament injury and he could be afforded with a breather ahead of the weekend’s Manchester Derby at Old Trafford.

Daniel James has been ruled out of the Cup tie with a knock sustained earlier last week. In his absence, Andreas Pereira may probably feature on the left wing. On the opposite flank, Mason Greenwood could keep his spot. Juan Mata should start in the number 10 position ahead of Bruno Fernandes, who may be introduced from the bench if required.

Upfront, Odion Ighalo should be handed with his second start in the United shirt. The Nigerian impressed on his full debut against Club Brugge, where he scored his maiden goal for the club, but he could not replicate the performance at Everton, coming off the bench.