Midweek presents a great opportunity for Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag to do some squad rotation. With the advantages of both home field and a three goal cushion on Nottingham Forest, United can rest the regulars and give the kids and benchwarmers a run.
It is also something that Ten Hag kind of has to do, more than it is a luxury, given the workload of his side. They are the only English club still alive in all four competitions, so they need the fresh legs.
Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest FYIs
Competition: EFL Cup Semifinal Leg 2/2, United up 3-0 on aggregate from leg 1
Kickoff: Wed Jan 31, 8pm, Old Trafford
Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK
Team News for Both Sides: Go here
Other Semifinal Preview Content: Go Here And Here
As a bonus, I threw in a starting XI prediction for the Tricky Trees here. As for United, it will be a team of almost all reserves, but I did consider throwing Bruno Fernandes and Antony into the first team, with the idea that they might come off at half-time.
Starting XI Predictions for Both Sides
Nottingham Forest
Hennessey; Aurier, Worrall, Boly, Lodi; Mangala, Danilo, Freuler; Scarpa; Johnson, Dennis
Manchester United (4-2-3-1)
Heaton; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Malacia; Fred, Mainoo; Elanga, Garnacho, Pellistri; Weghorst
Prediction: United 0, Nottingham Forest 0
It’s going to be a challenge for the visitors, given how banged up the Trees are right now, even against a very weakened United side. This is not going to be all that exciting and inspiring.
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He’s written for numerous publications, including the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. He regularly appears on NTD News and WGN News Now. Follow the website on Twitter and Instagram.