Nuno Espírito Santo is expected to shake things up tonight as West Ham travel to Manchester United in the Premier League.
After Leeds United’s win over Chelsea last night, this match has taken on huge importance. The Hammers now need a healthy victory to climb out of the relegation zone.
With Lucas Paquetá suspended, West Ham will be pleased to hear the FA plan to take no further action against him – but his absence leaves a sizeable gap in the team. C&H understands that George Earthy has travelled with the squad to Manchester.
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There were rumours this morning suggesting that several youngsters would be involved, and it’s now also being reported that Mohamadou Kanté could take a place on the bench.
We’re also hearing there may be a “shock omission”, with one player not even in the matchday squad.
At the moment, it’s all smoke and mirrors, and you couldn’t blame Nuno for putting out a bit of misinformation to keep Rúben Amorim guessing.
There’s every chance the Hammers boss could revert to three at the back, potentially forgoing a natural left winger altogether and instead using El Hadji Malick Diouf as a left wing-back.
What does seem unlikely is a bench featuring all of Guido Rodríguez, Andy Irving and Tomáš Souček together, with Nuno expected to inject some much-needed energy and mobility into the matchday squad.