Manchester United's seemingly unwavering post-World Cup momentum has been sapped over the past week.
First, Michael Olise thrashed home a stunning free-kick last Wednesday to ensure the spoils were shared at Selhurst Park before Eddie Nketiah struck a deserved late winner at the Emirates on Sunday to put another dent in United's unlikely title charge.
However, Erik ten Hag's side must brush their recent disappointment aside and gear up for the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
Here's the starting XI Ten Hag could pick for Wednesday night's game.
Man Utd predicted lineup vs Nottingham Forest
GK: David de Gea - It's hard to envisage Jack Butland or Tom Heaton starting for the Red Devils on Wednesday.
RB: Aaron Wan-Bissaka - Diogo Dalot is edging closer to his return and he could be in the squad on Wednesday. However, Ten Hag will likely continue with Wan-Bissaka, who impressed one-vs-one against Gabriel Martinelli on Sunday.
CB: Raphael Varane - The Frenchman is a shoo-in.
CB: Lisandro Martinez - The Argentine has to be one of the most fascinating centre-backs to watch right now. The diminutive defender is a freakish talent, and it's becoming abundantly clear why United paid so much to sign him in the summer.
LB: Tyrell Malacia - Luke Shaw has played a lot of football as of late and Bukayo Saka petrified him on Sunday. Ten Hag could rotate here with summer arrival Malacia returning to the fold.
DM: Casemiro - The Brazilian's absence was hard felt at the Emirates, especially in the second half as Arsenal took full control. The perennial Champions League victor, who's been so crucial in United's resurgence, will come straight back into the XI on Wednesday.
DM: Fred - Christian Eriksen has developed a fine relationship with Casemiro, but the Dane looked leggy at the Emirates. Fred, too, loves playing with the former Real Madrid star and he could come back in at the City Ground.
RM: Antony - Jadon Sancho returned to training last week and Antony's spot down the right could come under threat should the Englishman find his groove. For now, though, the big-money summer arrival in Ten Hag's best option.
AM: Bruno Fernandes - The Portugal international performs the most fluid role within Ten Hag's framework. He has the freedom to roam wherever he wants, and he'll likely skipper the side on Wednesday.
LM: Marcus Rashford - Rashford's re-emergence as a bonafide superstar is wonderful to see. The sequence that culminated in the opener at the Emirates depicted the winger's red-hot form. He's scored nine goals in as many games since the World Cup.
ST: Wout Weghorst - The January arrival was initially useful against the Gunners before fading in the second half as United struggled to get up the pitch. Weghorst is yet to score for his new club, but he should get another chance to bag his first goal on Wednesday with Anthony Martial still nursing a hamstring injury.
Source : 90min