GOALLL: Bowen with a goal of the season award to put West Ham upfront against man united
Manchester United face West Ham United in today’s early Premier League kick-off at the London Stadium.
The Red Devils are currently winless in three games in all competitions, but the morale should be high within the squad after a hard-fought goalless draw at Liverpool last weekend.
Manager Erik ten Hag will want a similar defensive display from his team against the Hammers, but they also need to find the back of the net, having failed to do so in the last three outings.
Ahead of the game, United will have the services of Bruno Fernandes after his one-game league suspension, but Diogo Dalot is suspended after his late sending off against Liverpool.
Victor Lindelof won’t be in the matchday squad, having undergone a surgery for a groin injury. The Red Devils have confirmed that the centre-back will be out of action for at least one month.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Line-up:
Andre Onana had a solid outing against Jurgen Klopp’s side last weekend. He had one nervous moment between the sticks but overall, he looked assured with his decision-making. The Cameroonian made eight saves to earn a clean sheet and will be eyeing another shut-out today.
In front of him, there will be an enforced change with Dalot suspended for the game. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is the natural replacement for him in the right-back role.
Jonny Evans and Raphael Varane should continue in central defence. The latter proved his credentials last weekend with a stunning 15 clearances from the left centre-back position.
Luke Shaw is expected to complete the backline from the left-back spot ahead of Sergio Reguilon.
Sofyan Amrabat had a tough outing in the derby. He won just one of his eight ground and aerial duels and lost possession on a staggering 16 occasions at Anfield.
On the contrary, Kobbie Mainoo was brilliant playing alongside him. The club graduate lost possession just thrice and blocked three key shots from their arch-rivals.
With Fernandes back from suspension, we anticipate Amrabat to be dropped. The club captain should start in his preferred number 10 position against the Hammers.
Scott McTominay, who played in the attacking role versus Liverpool, should accompany Mainoo in the centre of the park. He won an impressive 12 duels last weekend.
Further forward, there could be a solitary change. Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund should continue from the left wing and number nine positions respectively.
We anticipate Antony to make way for Marcus Rashford on the right wing. The Brazilian has looked lively with his attacking runs, but has lacked the cutting edge with his decision-making.
Rashford has a good record versus David Moyes’ side with eight goal contributions from 14 league meetings. He scored the winner against the London club at Old Trafford last term.
Watch the amazing Goal 👇👇
⚽️🏴 GOAL | West Ham 1-0 Manchester United | Jarrod Bowen
WHAT A PASS FROM LUCAS PAQUETA!!!https://t.co/8zuPwl4ils
— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) December 23, 2023
