Šeško Returns for Visitors as Manchester United Prepare to Face Nottingham Forest: Predicted XI
Manchester United return to Premier League action with a home clash against Nottingham Forest, a fixture that arrives at an important moment in Erik ten Hag’s season. With performances beginning to stabilise after an inconsistent run, United will be keen to impose control at Old Trafford against a Forest side that has shown flashes of threat on the road. One of the main talking points ahead of the match is the expected return of Benjamin Šeško for the visitors, adding a focal point to Forest’s attack and posing a physical test for United’s back line.
Forest’s hopes often hinge on their ability to stay compact and strike quickly in transition, and Šeško’s presence gives them a clear outlet. His pace, strength, and ability to run channels could trouble United, particularly if the hosts push their full-backs high. As a result, United’s defensive structure will be crucial, especially in managing space behind the midfield.
For United, Ten Hag is expected to stick with a largely familiar XI, balancing control in possession with enough attacking threat to break down Forest’s low block. André Onana should continue in goal, tasked not only with shot-stopping but also with initiating play from deep. In defence, Diogo Dalot is likely to start at right-back, with Luke Shaw or Tyrell Malacia on the left depending on fitness. At centre-back, the pairing of Lisandro Martínez and Raphaël Varane offers the ideal blend of aggression and composure, particularly against a striker of Šeško’s profile.
In midfield, Casemiro is expected to anchor the side, providing protection in front of the defence and breaking up Forest counterattacks. Alongside him, Bruno Fernandes should operate in a more advanced central role, driving the tempo and looking to unlock Forest’s defensive shape. The final midfield spot could go to Mason Mount or Christian Eriksen, offering creativity and intelligent movement between the lines.
United’s attacking trio is where the match could be decided. Marcus Rashford is likely to start on the left, aiming to exploit space behind Forest’s right-back, while Antony or Alejandro Garnacho may feature on the opposite flank to stretch the pitch. Through the middle, Rasmus Højlund should lead the line, providing energy, pressing from the front, and attacking the penalty area with intent.
Predicted Manchester United XI:
Onana; Dalot, Varane, Martínez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mount, Fernandes; Antony, Højlund, Rashford.
With Šeško returning for the visitors, United cannot afford defensive lapses, but the quality and depth in Ten Hag’s side should give them confidence. If United control midfield and move the ball quickly, they have more than enough firepower to overcome Forest and continue building momentum at a critical stage of the campaign.
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