Predicted Man United XI vs Newcastle United: Casemiro back in midfield | OneFootball

Lisandro Martinez is fit to join the Manchester United squad for today’s penultimate Premier League game against Newcastle United, but is unlikely to start.

After such a long layoff, it seems likely that manager Erik ten Hag will want to focus on bringing Martinez’ fitness up for the FA Cup final by easing him back in over the next couple of games.

Ten Hag said at his pre-match press conference that Willy Kambwala could be fit and so, after Casemiro’s miserable temporary spell as a centre half, we think Kambwala will play an hour alongside Jonny Evans, before Martinez is given 30 minutes.

Although it might be tempting to rest Casemiro altogether, he is more likely to return to the midfield alongside Kobbie Mainoo.

Elsewhere in defence, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are all still absent. Ten Hag says Raphael Varane might be ready for the weekend but today’s game comes too soon for him.

Andre Onana will be in goal, with Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka the full backs.

The manager also said Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford could be fit for tomorrow. We are predicting Fernandes will make it but Rashford, who is a shade flakier, will not.

Amad Diallo impressed against Arsenal on Sunday and should keep his place, so we think the front four will be Amad, Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund.

Anthony Martial may or may not be fit and may or may not be on the bench. Nobody seems to care any more.

Other options in midfield are Sofyan Amrabat, Scott McTominay and Christian Eriksen.

Antony is another alternative on the wing, as of course if Rashford if he does make it through the pain barrier.

Here, then, is our predicted XI for tonight’s 8pm kick-off:

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