ten Hag’s bold lineup: Maguire and Evans start, de Ligt benched vs Villa

In a recent alleged lineup decision by Erik ten Hag, Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans have been chosen as the center backs to face Aston Villa, with Matthijs de Ligt on the bench. This surprising move has sparked a lot of speculation and discussion among football fans and experts alike.

The lineup for the match reportedly includes Onana in goal, Mazraoui, Maguire, Evans, and Dalot in defense, Mainoo and Eriksen in midfield, and Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford, and Højlund in attack. This selection has raised eyebrows, especially considering the talent and potential of de Ligt, who is considered one of the best young defenders in the world.

While there is no concrete evidence to confirm the validity of this lineup, the tweet from Fabrizio Romano has generated a lot of buzz on social media. Fans are eager to see how this decision plays out on the pitch and whether it will lead to success for the team.

The choice to leave de Ligt on the bench in favor of Maguire and Evans is a bold move by ten Hag. Maguire, who has faced criticism for his performances in recent seasons, will have a chance to prove himself alongside Evans, a seasoned defender with plenty of experience at the top level.

The midfield and attack also feature some interesting selections, with Mainoo and Eriksen providing creativity and control in the middle of the park. Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford, and Højlund will be tasked with providing the goals and attacking threat against Aston Villa’s defense.

Overall, this lineup is a departure from the usual starting XI that fans have come to expect from the team. It will be intriguing to see how the players gel together on the pitch and whether the decision to bench de Ligt pays off for ten Hag and the team.

As with any lineup decision, there are risks involved, and the outcome of the match against Aston Villa will likely have a significant impact on how this decision is viewed in hindsight. Football is a game of uncertainties, and sometimes bold decisions can lead to unexpected success.

In the world of football, lineup choices are often dissected and analyzed by fans and pundits alike. Every decision made by a manager can have far-reaching consequences, and the pressure to get it right is immense.

For Erik ten Hag, the decision to start Maguire and Evans over de Ligt will be closely scrutinized. The Dutch manager will be hoping that his selection pays off and that the team can secure a positive result against Aston Villa.

Regardless of the outcome, this alleged lineup decision has certainly stirred up plenty of debate and discussion. Football fans love to speculate and analyze every aspect of the game, and lineup choices are no exception.

In the end, only time will tell whether Erik ten Hag made the right decision in choosing Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans as his center backs. Until then, fans will eagerly await the outcome of the match and continue to discuss and dissect this intriguing lineup selection.

Erik ten Hag picks Harry Maguire and Evans as centre backs with de Ligt on the bench to face Aston Villa.

Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Evans, Dalot; Mainoo, Eriksen; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Højlund. pic.twitter.com/CTu0lGm9zE

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 6, 2024

When looking at the recent lineup chosen by Erik ten Hag for the match against Aston Villa, a few key decisions stand out. The selection of Harry Maguire and Evans as center backs over de Ligt raises some eyebrows among fans and pundits alike. Let’s delve deeper into the reasoning behind this lineup choice and the implications it may have for the team.

### Why did Erik ten Hag choose Harry Maguire and Evans as center backs?

The decision to start Harry Maguire and Evans as center backs instead of de Ligt is a bold move by Erik ten Hag. Maguire, known for his leadership qualities and physical presence on the field, has been a consistent performer for the team. Evans, on the other hand, brings experience and composure to the backline.

One possible reason for this decision could be tactical. Maguire and Evans may have been chosen for their ability to handle the physicality of Aston Villa’s attacking players. Their partnership on the field could provide a solid defensive foundation for the team.

Additionally, de Ligt may have been placed on the bench to give him some rest or manage his playing time. As a young and talented defender, it is important to ensure that he is not overworked and at risk of injury. Rotation of players is a common practice in football to keep the squad fresh and competitive.

### How will this lineup affect the team’s performance?

The choice of Maguire and Evans as center backs could impact the team’s defensive solidity and organization. Both players are known for their ability to read the game well and make crucial interceptions. Their partnership could help in limiting the opposition’s goal-scoring opportunities.

On the other hand, de Ligt’s absence from the starting lineup may be felt in terms of his ball-playing abilities and aerial presence. He is known for his ability to contribute to the team’s build-up play and score goals from set-pieces. His absence could potentially affect the team’s attacking threat from defense.

Overall, the performance of the team will depend on how well Maguire and Evans gel together in defense and how effectively the team transitions from defense to attack. It will be interesting to see how this lineup choice plays out on the field and whether Erik ten Hag’s decision pays off.

### What are the implications of this lineup choice for the season ahead?

The selection of Maguire and Evans as center backs could have long-term implications for the team’s defensive setup. If the partnership proves to be successful, Erik ten Hag may continue to rely on them as his first-choice center-back pairing.

However, if the partnership struggles or fails to deliver results, the manager may have to reconsider his defensive options and possibly reintegrate de Ligt into the starting lineup. This lineup choice could shape the team’s defensive strategy for the season ahead and influence future transfer decisions.

In conclusion, Erik ten Hag’s decision to start Harry Maguire and Evans as center backs over de Ligt raises questions about the team’s defensive setup and long-term plans. The implications of this lineup choice will be revealed on the field and could have a significant impact on the team’s performance in the season ahead.

Sources:
– [Fabrizio Romano’s tweet](https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1842895453769420868?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Overall, the selection of Harry Maguire and Evans as center backs by Erik ten Hag presents an interesting tactical decision that will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike. The implications of this lineup choice for the team’s performance and the season ahead are yet to be seen, but one thing is for sure – it has sparked a debate among football enthusiasts.