Manchester United will be aiming to extend their unbeaten run this weekend when they host West Ham United.
The Red Devils haven’t lost in their last seven in all competitions, including Thursday night’s win over Sheriff Tiraspol, a game that saw Diogo Dalot, Marcus Rashford and Cristiano Ronaldo grab the all-important goals. Erik ten Hag named a strong line-up for the penultimate Europa League match of the group, and is expected to name a similar side on Sunday when the Hammers travel to Old Trafford.
Only a late injury will prevent David de Gea playing in goal, with the Spaniard conceding just once across his last five games. Ahead of him, Harry Maguire returned to the team on Thursday and will compete for a starting berth against Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez at the weekend.
In the full-back areas, Dalot is likely to start on the right given Aaron Wan-Bissaka again wasn’t deemed fit enough to make the bench on Thursday, with Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw the options on the opposite side.
Ten Hag also appears to have found his preferred duo in the centre of the park, with the Casemiro and Christian Eriksen axis significantly reducing the game time for Fred and Scott McTominay in recent weeks. Meanwhile, Donny van de Beek returned on Thursday and could offer competition to Bruno Fernandes in the more advanced areas, although the latter is expected to start at the weekend.
In the wide areas, Ten Hag expressed his frustration with Antony after his showboating in the win over Sheriff, while Alejandro Garnacho impressed from the left flank. Jadon Sancho didn’t feature at all off the bench, while Anthony Elanga and Rashford could also play on the wings.
The latter may, however, also start up front. It was Ronaldo who played there on Thursday and had mixed fortunes in the Europa League win, but Rashford has tended to start centrally in the league this season. Anthony Martial remains injured for the Red Devils, an issue which limits Ten Hag’s options in the attacking positions.
With all that in mind, here’s how we think United will line up on Sunday...
1. GK: David de Gea
Has kept six career clean sheets against West Ham.
2. RB: Diogo Dalot
Remains the only real option at right-back with Wan-Bissaka out.
3. CB: Victor Lindelof
Should keep his place ahead of Maguire and played well in recent weeks.
4. CB: Lisandro Martinez
Taken off on Thursday at half-time, presumably in preparation for the visit of West Ham.