Manchester United will host their Champions League group mates Basel at Old Trafford on Wednesday at 2:45 p.m. EST. Manchester United and Basel are in Group A with CSKA Moscow and Benfica. Benfica will be hosting CSKA Moscow at the same time in Lisbon, Portugal.
United vs. Basel might look an easy game for United on paper, but lately, Basel is in a good run of form. Basel has only lost two of their last ten games. United and Basel were in the same group back in 2011-12 Champions League season. The first leg was a draw match as both sides scored three goals each.
In the second leg match, Basel stunned Manchester United by a 2-1 win at home ground.
History claims Basel isn’t going to be an easy game for Manchester United. Jose has to be careful with unexpected strategies by Basel. Let’s take a look at what could be best for United to do at home game against Basel.
Changing playing 11 against Basel
Jose should give rest to the players who have played all four games in the Premier League. Jose claimed in the post-match interview against Stoke City on Saturday that his players aren’t same after the International break. Resting regular starters in the game against Basel will be the best way to let them refill their energy level. Jose has so many players who have intense cravings to start the games.
This is the best opportunity for Jose to let them start the game.
How Jose can replace players
United have enough depth in the squad that can give a real competition to Basel, even if the regular starters doesn’t start. Goalkeeper David De Gea can be replaced by so-called ‘Best substitute GK’ Sergio Romero.
Eric Bailly and Phil Jones are suspended for this games, so they are definitely not going to start.
Jose on post-match interview unveiled “Smalling and Lindelof will start.” Axel Tuanzebe and Darmian can replace Valencia and Blind. Herrera and Carrick can replace Pogba and Matic. Attacking midfielders Lingard and MArtial can replace Mkhitaryan and Mata. Rashford is a young lad so he would love to replace Lukaku as a striker in these games.
Jose will obviously not like to lose this match as Group A is easy for them and every win will boost squad's morale. United fans will be so excited to see the returning of Champions League nights at Old Trafford. United didn't play in Champions League last season since United's former boss Luis Van Gaal couldn't finish in the top 5 of the Premier League table and consecutively he was sacked.
