Sancho back in the squad
Manchester United are being careful with their management of Jadon Sancho and tonight looks like the perfect chance for him to return to the matchday squad.
The 22-year-old has not played in over three months now, and Ten Hag will be looking to get him back onto the pitch at some point, even if it is not from the start.
Expectations need to be eased on the English forward after such a lengthy spell out of action, but a bench role in a tie United are in control of seems like the best place to start.
It might even be worthwhile to include him in the squad just to put an end to the speculation over when he will return.
Read next: Sancho set to return vs Nottingham Forest
One foot in the final
Erik ten Hag will no doubt warn his side about complacency heading into the match, but deep down he must be very confident of reaching a Wembley final.
United have been much improved at home this season, and even if they make wholesale changes, they should have more than enough to protect a three-goal cushion.
This is a great opportunity for United to take a risk with their team selection from the start and leave a few key players on the bench in case they are needed.
Leading the line
Wout Weghorst has been a pleasant surprise at United so far, but there needs to come a time when he is rested given how many matches are coming up.
This seems like the right time for him to drop out of the team, and with Anthony Martial set to be involved again, the Frenchman should return with something to prove.
Ten Hag has said that his side play their best football when they have Martial leading the line, and he has another chance to prove that tonight as he continues to fight for his long-term future at the club.
Two full debuts?
United's squad rotation could lead to two full debuts tonight, with a couple of youngsters hoping to play key roles in the match.
Christian Eriksen's injury has left United depleted in midfield, and teenager Kobbie Mainoo may benefit from the setback by moving up the pecking order.
The 17-year-old has already surprised coaches by effectively leapfrogging Zidane Iqbal in the midfield hierarchy, and given the increased playing time he is now likely to have, it might be in their best interests to give him his full debut.
It is a similar story for Facundo Pellistri in attack. The Uruguayan has impressed in his first few appearances in a United shirt from the bench, but has yet to start a game.
He is very much a reserve option for the United side, but given the packed fixture schedule, it makes sense to rest Antony and give somebody else the chance to impress.
Between the sticks
Even when United have played second string sides this season, David de Gea has more often than not kept his place in the starting line up.
The Spaniard has only missed three games for United this season, and it was a surprise to see him start against Reading last weekend, when it appeared a sensible time to rest him.
A place at Wembley might be on the line, but tonight would be another wise time to rotate. In that case, it will be interesting to see who is selected ahead of him, with both Jack Butland and Tom Heaton eager to be second-choice for the rest of the season.
With so many important games coming up, they might not have another chance to play between now and the summer.
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