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FANTASY TIPS

Could Jose Mourinho hold the key to your fantasy team this weekend?

The Manchester United manager has indicated that he could ring the changes against Arsenal on Sunday

The nature of Jose Mourinho’s notorious ‘mind games’ means nobody really has any idea if he’s a man of his word or not.

And for fantasy football managers, they tend to leave more questions than answers as they look to choose their sides for the weekend’s games.

With Manchester United seemingly looking to guarantee Champions League football next season through the Europa League route, Mourinho has indicated that he may rest players for the Premier League showdown with Arsenal on Sunday.

The setback is the latest injury blow for Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho

Rex Features
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The setback is the latest injury blow for Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho

Which, for the neutrals, is a great shame given the tasty history between the two sides and what is still at stake in terms of league positions.

The ‘Special One’ said: “The players that are in accumulation, the players that are with lots of minutes because we played nine matches in April and this one, so 10 matches in four-and-a-half weeks.

“The players that are in accumulation, they are not going to play next weekend.”

Considering United’s resources are stretched anyway after a number of debilitating injuries, we wonder how many changes he can realistically make anyway.

Luke Shaw sits down on the Old Trafford turn after holding his ankle

Reuters
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Luke Shaw sits down on the Old Trafford turn after holding his ankle

But who are the players we reckon might make way at the Emirates and, therefore, might need removing from your side.

MARCUS RASHFORD

Marcus Rashford showed great technique to score his free-kick

EPA
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Marcus Rashford showed great technique to score his free-kick

Rashford was United’s match-winner in their semi-final first leg against Celta Vigo, handing them a precious advantage and away goal ahead of the return leg.

The young striker has played a lot of minutes recently, including somewhat controversially in the draw with Swansea last weekend, and may be rested ahead of the second leg.

Could Wayne Rooney be his replacement?

PAUL POGBA

Paul Pogba has had ups and downs in his first season at Old Trafford

PA:Press Association
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Paul Pogba has had ups and downs in his first season at Old Trafford

Pogba was the best player on the field in Spain on Thursday night, dictating the tempo whilst producing a number of sumptuous passes.

But the Frenchman is not long back from an injury of his own so two demanding games in four days could test the hamstrings.

We reckon he’ll be on the bench in preparation to ensure he’s 100% fit for Celta’s visit to Old Trafford.

ERIC BAILLY

Eric Bailly has been United’s most consistent centre-back this season

PA:Press Association
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Eric Bailly has been United’s most consistent centre-back this season

Bailly has been Mourinho’s rock this season and was once again imperious against an albeit feeble Celta attack in Spain.

But the Ivorian defender may be taken out of the firing line for the trip to the Emirates, particularly with Chris Smalling back from injury.

Will Mourinho stick to his word? Or was it all an elaborate game plan?