Harry Maguire starts: The predicted Man United XI to face Forest in the EFL Cup tonight | OneFootball

Manchester United have one foot in the EFL Cup final following their 3-0 first leg away win over Nottingham Forest.

But Erik ten Hag will want to make it a smooth and safe passage into the last round of the competition this evening as Forest make the visit to Old Trafford for the return leg.

The Red Devils are without a trophy since 2017, which is also the last time the club won this tournament.

The winner of tonight’s semi-final will face Newcastle United after they earned a 3-1 aggregate win over Southampton on Tuesday night.

Here is how we predict Ten Hag will line up his side to take on the Reds…

The Dutchman has been reluctant to rotate throughout the season, but tonight could see his most radical change from his preferred starting XI.

It will still be a strong team, with David de Gea set to remain in goals.

But Tyrell Malacia, Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire are likely to be chosen ahead of their usual defensive counterparts, with Aaron Wan Bissaka continuing to fill in for the injured Diogo Dalot.

With Christian Eriksen absent through injury, Fred is likely to earn a place in the team.

Quiz: 23 things literally every Nottingham Forest fan should know – But do you

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Casemiro has been essential to much of United’s progress this campaign, and the injury to Scott McTominay means he is likely to keep his place in the team.

The deadline day addition of Marcel Sabitzer is unlikely to feature given he has not yet trained with his new teammates.

Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho are set to return to the matchday squad, but it is doubtful that either will be chosen from the start.

Instead, Antony, Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho are likely to lead the line behind January addition Wout Weghorst in attack, with a rest for Marcus Rashford a possibility.