Team News: Fellaini in line to replace Pogba as Manchester United host Liverpool


Paul Pogba may well miss the historic 200th meeting between Manchester United and Liverpool through injury, and could even be replaced by fit again Marouane Fellaini.

The Frenchman suffered an injury in training and with a crucial Champions League second leg against Sevilla in midweek, Jose Mourinho is unlikely to take too many risks with his players’ fitness, despite the enormity of this rivalry.

With that in mind youngster Scott McTominay could yet keep his place in midfield ahead of the aforementioned Fellaini, while Anthony Martial will likely miss out on the squad altogether.

Ashley Young is set to to start at left-back, while Romelu Lukaku will lead the line as he aims to score the 100th Premier League goal of his career.

The best news for the hosts is that Eric Bailly is fully fit and should start ahead of Victor Lindelof, who partnered Chris Smalling against Crystal Palace on Monday. A switch to a 4-2-3-1 could also be on the cards.

Probable United XI: De Gea; Valencia, Smalling, Bailly, Young; Matic, Fellaini; Rashford, Lingard, Sanchez; Lukaku.

Liverpool have been handed a triple injury boost with Jurgen Klopp confirming that Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnladum and Andrew Robertson have all been in full training this week.

The former suffered a dead leg in midweek, while the other two played no part against Porto at Anfield. It means that aside from Nathaniel Clyne, who himself is nearing full fitness, the visitors have a full squad to choose from.

Emre Can and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain seem likely to start in a three man midfield, with three players vying to take the final spot. That will be the main selection dilemma for the manager.

Probable Liverpool XI: Karius; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Can, Wijnaldum; Salah, Firmino, Mane.