Manchester United return from the international break with a Premier League clash against Tottenham this evening. The team drew 1-1 with Fulham at Craven Cottage before the break, leaving them in 12th position in the table with five points from five games.
A run of poor results has increased pressure on Michael Carrick, who will be eager to secure a victory against a Tottenham side that has failed to score in all but one of their league matches this season.
Team news and availability
Amad, Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford should be available after training. Benjamin Sesko and Patrick Dorgu have been ruled out, while a late decision will be made on Noussair Mazraoui's involvement.
Tyrone Marshall's preferred XI
Fitness issues are complicating team selection for what feels like a significant game for Carrick. At the back, Dalot and Shaw are the only available full-backs, with Maguire and Martinez set to partner each other again.
Marshall would start Baleba from the beginning, believing United badly need his energy and intensity in midfield. If Mainoo is fit, he can play alongside him. Further forward, it is time for Mbeumo to play down the middle. Rashford is struggling with a hip injury, so it might be time to give him a rest and play Cunha on the left, with Lacey getting a first Premier League start.
Steven Railston's preferred XI
Railston believes Carrick really needs a win this evening and may be tempted to select the midfield trio used in the first few weeks of the season, but Baleba needs to be thrown into the side now that he is up to speed. He would drop Tielemans to accommodate Baleba, who should provide much-needed energy in the centre of the pitch.
The news about Sesko is a blow but not a surprise, given the nature of his injury. It could be an issue United have to manage for the foreseeable future, and Cunha cannot continue to play up front in his absence. Mbeumo is the best choice to play up front. With Amad back in training, Railston would start him down the right, Mbeumo down the middle and Cunha down the left, as Rashford did not have a good game against Fulham before the international break.
Jack Flintham's preferred XI
Flintham believes the back five, including Lammens, picks itself. Dalot, Maguire, Martinez and Shaw should all start, even if Yoro performed well during the international break.
In midfield, nobody has managed to tie down the spot alongside Mainoo, giving Baleba the opportunity to make that position his own. He should start behind Bruno Fernandes in the No.10 position. Up top, Amad's return to training could be an important lifeline for Carrick, with Flintham starting him on the right, allowing Mbeumo to lead the line in Sesko's absence.
