Manchester United will be eyeing a second-straight Premier League win when they host West Ham United at Old Trafford tonight.
Ahead of the game, manager Ruben Amorim has already confirmed a big injury boost.
Matheus Cunha has fully recovered from a knock to his head. The Brazilian could be drafted straight into the starting line-up.
The Red Devils can go within one point of the top four with a victory over the Hammers.
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Predicted Line-up:
Senne Lammens has been United’s undisputed goalkeeper since making his debut against Sunderland in October. He has not kept a clean sheet since his maiden appearance and will be aiming to end the streak against the Hammers.
In front of him, there could be an obvious change in the back three. Leny Yoro was replaced by Noussair Mazraoui after just 54 minutes against Crystal Palace. He made an error for the penalty, and Amorim was not impressed by his reaction thereafter.
Mazraoui looks poised to start on the right side of the back three. Matthijs de Ligt should continue in the middle with Luke Shaw on the left-hand side. Lisandro Martinez has just returned from a long-term knee injury and could make another substitute appearance.
Amad Diallo and Diogo Dalot had good outings in the 2-1 comeback win over Palace. The duo are poised to continue in the right and left wing-back positions respectively.
However, we anticipate a change in the centre of the park. Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes have shone as a pairing, but the former’s workload needs to be managed at his age.
Amorim has publicly said that Manuel Ugarte must improve in training to stake a claim for a starting spot. Kobbie Mainoo, valued at £39 million by Transfermarkt, could finally return to the starting XI with Casemiro being given a breather.
Further forward, Bryan Mbeumo is very much an automatic starter in the right number 10 role. He has five goals in the league campaign and will be aiming to end a two-match goalless streak against Nuno Espirito Santo’s side tonight. He likes to play against the Hammers with four goals and an assist in his previous seven meetings.
Mbeumo could have a different partner in Cunha. Mason Mount did well to score from long-range against the Eagles, but Cunha’s better work rate and high pressing should get him the nod in the left number 10 position.
Joshua Zirkzee is set to lead the line after his fantastic goal at Selhurst Park. The Dutchman also won eight duels and 100 percent of his tackles (2/2). He looks poised to continue as the main man upfront.
How Man Utd could line up vs West Ham
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com