Predicted Man United XI vs Crystal Palace: Ten Hag will crush Palace with this brilliantly transformed line-up – Sofyan Amrabat to make full debut

Predicting Erik ten Hag’s line-up usually raises a question or two, but for tomorrow’s Carabao Cup match against Crystal Palace, almost every position poses a dilemma.

Ten Hag usually plays something close to his strongest lineup, regardless of the competition and opponents, and he will certainly want to build on the incredible momentum from his first win in four games by starting against the Eagles at Old Trafford.

On the other hand, with so many injuries and matches running continuously during this period, the remaining key players and the timing of injury returns also need to be carefully managed.

In goal, there is good reason to debut new signing Altay Bayindir, who may or may not have been promised a place in domestic cup matches when he signed for the club. You should also give him some experience in case it’s needed for “bigger” matches. On the other hand, Andre Onana is still settling in and getting used to his defense so it’s a bit early for him to rest.

We believe that Ten Hag’s “Strongest XI” mentality will prevail and Onana will retain its position.

With Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia absent and doubts over Harry Maguire, Sergio Reguilon and Lisandro Martinez, United’s defense is shaky to say the least. There are also clearly no young players knocking on the door to make their debuts, although Rhys Bennett is returning from injury and is one of the Ten Hags they are keeping an eye on.

Although Reguilon left the field against Burnley on Saturday with a hamstring injury, Ten Hag insists he is not feeling well, so hopefully he can return as a defender left, with Diogo Dalot at right back.

Without knowing the physical condition of Martinez and Maguire, it is difficult to predict the combination of this midfielder. Despite Jonny Evans’ heroics against Burnley, the Varane-Lindelof partnership looks strongest on paper.

There are more options in midfield. Mason Mount is said to be close to returning and Kobbie Mainoo has also returned to training. Donny van de Beek, Dan Gore and Hannibal are also on the periphery of the first team, with the latter performing well in their first Premier League match on Saturday. Sofyan Amrabat also played 5 minutes in this match, followed by key players Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay.

It would make sense to rest Casemiro for this match and give Amrabat his official debut. He could partner Eriksen, who was rested against Burnley after a poor performance against Bayern last Wednesday. If physically fit, Mainoo can come off the bench for a few minutes.

Captain Bruno Fernandes has never missed a match, so he will likely continue to move forward and return to his favorite number 10 position.

Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund could be rested, with the arrivals of Alejandro Garnacho and Anthony Martial. This leaves the right wing. Mason Mount may be fit enough to get the nod, or Facundo Pellistri could be tried again despite also disappointing in Germany.

Another option is to change the formation with the largely ineffective McTominay, completing the midfield at the expense of one of the wingers.

With all that in mind, here is our predicted lineup for tomorrow’s match: