Manchester United training
United train at Carrington on Wednesday ahead of the trip to the Czech Republic
Manchester United will attempt to get back on track under Ruben Amorim on Thursday when they face Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League, needing a win to further close the gap on the top eight.
Amorim's bright start to life in the Old Trafford dugout has stalled after successive Premier League defeats to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, while there is more turbulence off the pitch after the departure of sporting director Dan Ashworth.
United also need a result in Europe as they try to secure a top-eight finish in the league phase and avoid a two-legged play-off in February. Amorim has been boosted by the strongest group he has yet been able to pick from, with Luke Shaw now the only senior absentee in the squad.
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Collyer returns
That means Amorim has been able to select a 24-man squad for the trip to Plzen that only includes players with first-team experience, a sure sign that the injury issues around the club are beginning to ease.
Toby Collyer has made a squad for the first time under Amorim. The 20-year-old midfielder will be looking to make his first appearance for the first team since September 17. A place on the bench is the most likely outcome for the former Brighton youngster.
Collyer does bring energy and intensity to the squad, and with Amorim rotating his group and looking for strong runners and physical players, he could well get his chance to impress.
Rashford's chance
Another hoping for the chance to state his case is Marcus Rashford, who hasn't started since scoring twice against Everton in the Premier League. He had to settle for cameos off the bench against Arsenal and Nottingham Forest.
Questions are again starting to swirl around Rashford as the 27-year-old seeks to impress another United manager. With Amorim placing such a focus on work rate and physicality, Rashford will know he needs to up his game.
Amorim has rotated his forwards, and it is surely Rashford's chance. If he has to settle for a third successive game on the bench, then alarm bells might be ringing.
Empty the bench
One of the quirks of the Amorim era so far has been his use of substitutes. He has used all five available in every game. He has often turned to the bench early as well, making all five changes by the 66th minute against Bodo Glimt, the 79th minute against Arsenal, and the 76th minute against Forest.
Part of those changes is because he is trying to protect the fitness of his players as he introduces more physical demands, but it also signals to the bench that they are likely to be called on at some point, and they need to be alert and ready to make an impact.
City clues
We can expect rotation within the starting XI again in Plzen, but the side Amorim picks will also give us a clue as to who will likely return for the derby at the Etihad at the weekend.
This side will be tested physically against City, and Amorim will heavily rely on certain players. Who they are might become clearer when his teamsheet lands on Thursday.
Czech mate
United have recovered from their slow start in Europe by beating PAOK and Bodo Glimt at Old Trafford recently, but they still have work to do to reach the top eight and avoid that two-legged play-off in February.
They are only one point off the top eight, but Plzen are level on points with United, while their two opponents after Christmas, Rangers and FCSB, are both one point ahead, so there are some potential banana skins to come.
This certainly falls into that category, with Plzen unbeaten at home this season. That includes a win against Real Sociedad here last month.