Manchester United will be looking for some respite from their disappointing Premier League form when they travel to the Spanish capital to face Atlético de Madrid in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.
Dominic Solanke's stoppage time equaliser for Tottenham Hotspur means Michael Carrick's Red Devils have accrued just six points from their opening six Premier League fixtures and pressure is mounting on the United boss to improve results.
The visitors made a winning start to their UEFA Champions League campaign with a comprehensive 4-0 triumph over Azerbaijani debutants Sabah, but the trip to the Estadio Metropolitano is a daunting test.
Diego Simeone's Atleti responded to their defeat against Liverpool by winning four in a row in La Liga, including a 2-1 triumph over city rivals Real Madrid, and they've not lost to United in four competitive meetings.
Carrick's preparations for this contest have been hampered by a double injury blow to Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo.
The duo were both absent from training and will miss the fixture in Spain. It leaves United without a recognised left-back, and able deputy Noussair Mazraoui is also injured, meaning Diogo Dalot will slot in on the left side of defence.
Lenny Yoro was a surprise pick at right-back against Tottenham but the Frenchman will likely get the nod again from Carrick.
Mainoo's injury presents a vacancy in central midfield and Carlos Baleba is deserving of a full United debut. Who will accompany him is an intriguing call for Carrick with Youri Tielemans struggling in the draw against Spurs and both Andrey Santos and Mason Mount vying for a start.
Despite his concerning form, Bruno Fernandes is undroppable and he will be pivotal to United's chances on Tuesday evening.
Amad Diallo came through the Tottenham match unscathed and should retain his starting berth on the right, while Marcus Rashford might get the nod over Matheus Cunha on the left. The England international scored at the Metropolitano in April as he starred in Barcelona's 2-1 win over Atleti in La Liga.
Bryan Mbeumo scored twice against Atleti in pre-season and will be looking to repeat the trick as he leads the line in Benjamin Sesko's absence.
As for the hosts, Simeone has no fresh injury concerns to contend with and the Argentine has tinkered between a back three and back four at different stages of this season.
Retaining the same 4-2-3-1 formation that he deployed in the 2-1 win over Deportivo Alaves, Simeone will likely select Julian Alvarez to lead the line over Jonathan David with Alex Baena returning to the starting XI alongside Kang-in Lee.
Marc Pubill will be competing with Robin Le Normand for a starting berth alongside Cristian Romero, while David Hancko should get the nod at left-back over Alejandro Grimaldo.
Predicted Atlético de Madrid team
Jan Oblak
Marcos Llorente
Cristian Romero
Marc Pubill
David Hancko
Koke
Pablo Barrios
Lee Kang-in
Alex Baena
Ademola Lookman
Julian Alvarez
Predicted Manchester United team
Senne Lammens
Lenny Yoro
Harry Maguire
Lisandro Martinez
Diogo Dalot
Carlos Baleba
Youri Tielemans
Amad Diallo
Bruno Fernandes
Marcus Rashford
Bryan Mbeumo
