Manchester United face Fulham on Sunday in their final Premier League match ahead of the World Cup break.
But Erik ten Hag faces a major selection headache for the trip to Craven Cottage with Diogo Dalot suspended. The defender picked up a fifth Premier League booking of the season last week against Aston Villa and will therefore miss Sunday’s encounter. The Portugal international has played every single minute so far this season in the league, and Erik ten Hag doesn’t have a natural replacement on the right of defence, with Brandon Williams injured and Aaron Wan-Bissaka also expected to miss out.
Tyrell Malacia and Victor Lindelof have temporarily deputised at right-back this season, but neither are suited to that role, and Ten Hag will have a difficult decision to make ahead of the game.
The United manager might also be without Cristiano Ronaldo after the forward missed Thursday’s Carabao Cup win over Villa due to illness, with Anthony Martial starting up front in his stead. Elsewhere, Jadon Sancho and Antony are also doubts, with the latter suffering from a hip injury and Sancho missing the last three due to illness.
Asked about the former Borussia Dortmund winger in his pre-match press conference, Ten Hag admitted his form has been mixed so far this term. “It’s been up and down,” said the Dutchman. “He had some really good performances and I think he was in a good direction, but the last weeks he struggled with illness and then it’s normal that you don’t get selected because every manager will only take fit players to the World Cup.”
Ten Hag will also have to decide whether to stick with Donny van de Beek in the No.10 role. The midfielder has started in the last three but has failed to make any real contribution from those appearances.
With that in mind, here’s how we think United will line up on Sunday…
1. GK: David de Gea
Enjoying a good run of form, and Martin Dubravka’s cup performance in midweek won’t have given him any cause for concern.
2. RB: Victor Lindelof
We’re tipping Lindelof to play at right-back. The Sweden international could push into the centre and get on the ball where possible.
3. CB: Harry Maguire
Should Lindelof move out of the middle, Maguire is the obvious choice to replace him, especially with Raphael Varane injured.
4. CB: Lisandro Martinez
Played every game this season and expected to be in the starting XI again on Sunday.