The Red Devils will face Italy this Thursday in the Nations League. An important meeting, playing on Roman soil, against the Italians who hold their 6 out of 6 at the start of the campaign. Which eleven should you line up against them? We take stock.
Here we go again for a ride. The Red Devils are back on the field this Thursday evening, with a prestigious display against Italy. Our national team, deprived of Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Amadou Onana, will have to tinker a little to offer a competitive starting eleven. We take stock of the probable composition.
A defense without surprises
Defense is, rarely, the sector least impacted by injuries. The aligned quartet is even relatively predictable. Maxim De Cuyper will be the starting left-back, allowing Thete to return to the center, undoubtedly alongside Wout Faes, one of the pillars of Domenico Tedesco’s formation. Timothy Castagne being the only solution for this position, it is he who should start on the right of the defense.
Duels in the middle?
The midfield, on the other hand, can be a subject of discussion. Without De Bruyne or Onana, Domenico Tedesco will have to find a solution. Orel Mangala is almost certain to start, having a more defensive profile which should be used to scratch balls against determined Italians. Youri Tielemans should also be there, being the designated replacement for Kevin De Bruyne in this team.
But then who will complete the trio? Arne Engels, taken over in September and solid this season at Celtic, would hold the rope. Only Aster Vranckx can still play there. Note that Tedesco could also take a risk and opt for a Tielemans-Mangala-Trossard trio, or even opt for starting Charles De Ketelaere in attacking midfielder. It is therefore difficult to make a prediction in this sector of the game.
A trio in front
Finally, in attack, Jérémy Doku and Loïs Openda are certain to start, barring last minute injury. The Manchester City winger must bring madness, while the Leipzig striker will have the mission of succeeding Lukaku, as he did, without scoring, during the September matches.
On the right side, Lukebakio could well take advantage of his popularity with the coach to start, he who is in good form in Seville. Johan Bakayoko should therefore start on the bench.
Kick-off will be at 8:45 p.m. However, the appointment is made from 8 p.m., on RTL Club, before switching to RTL TVI at 8:25 p.m.
La composition probable
