Manchester United travel to Chelsea this lunchtime in a Premier League fixture that manager Michael Carrick has described as a must-win game. The Reds are winless in eight matches and sit perilously close to the relegation zone.
Carrick's task is complicated by several absentees from his matchday squad. Benjamin Sesko is out until 2027, and he is joined on the sidelines by Luke Shaw, Patrick Dorgu, Marcus Rashford and Manuel Ugarte.
There is some good news for United, however. Kobbie Mainoo returned to training this week and could start at Stamford Bridge. With this in mind, MEN Sport has looked at who our United writers think should feature against Xabi Alonso's men.
Steven Railston's selection
Steven Railston believes Carrick has to make changes after the hammering against Bournemouth. Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez have not been a successful partnership this season, but Railston wants to pick Harry Amass - who was not spotted with the travelling squad but should be given a chance - at left-back, so their experience is needed.
Mainoo returned to training on Wednesday. Carrick has not usually recalled players to the XI upon their return to the squad after recovery from injury, but Railston says an exception should be made to start Mainoo with Carlos Baleba.
Jack Flintham's selection
Jack Flintham says it could be make-or-break time for Carrick, and while he would like to make more changes, his hands are tied due to injuries. He would break up the Maguire and Martinez partnership, recalling Matthijs de Ligt to partner the Argentine in defence. Diogo Dalot needs to return at right-back, so on the left the Reds may have to use Ayden Heaven in his slightly unfamiliar role.
Baleba and Mainoo with a fit and firing Bruno Fernandes ahead of them seems like United's best midfield. While Flintham has enjoyed Lacey's cameos off the bench, perhaps this is a game for Amad to keep his place with Matheus Cunha on the opposite flank.
Bryan Mbeumo should lead the line in Sesko's absence. United will be hoping that Danny Welbeck will not come back to haunt them in the opposition ranks.
