Louis van Gaal’s red army is well aware of the fact that they need to win their remaining fixtures in the Premier League to achieve their target i.e. finishing fourth in the BPL table.
After a fractional victory over Norwich City, the team will travel to face West Ham United to play for the last time at Upton Park. The last time these two sides met in the premier league, the game ended as a goalless draw and the teams had to settle down with a point.
West Ham United were having a great season, and were confident of their European qualification, but a recent 1-4 defeat at home against Swansea City might have demolished their dream. Looking at both the clubs’ previous records, it is Manchester United who carries an upper hand in the fixture as they have managed 13 points from a possible 18 as they have won 4 of their last 6 games and have drawn just once. West Ham United on the other hand, have managed to grab just 9 points from 18 possible by winning just 2 of their last 6 games and drawing 3.
Manchester United needs to make sure that the players will be in full of enthusiasm as they are in need to win the game. Here is the predicted lineup for Manchester United that could face West Ham United-
Goalkeeper: David De Gea-
There is no doubt about this position, as he has been the most brilliant performer for the team in the entire season. As West Ham are capable of launching some threatening counter attacks, he will have to be on his toes to defend them.
Defence: Valencia; Smalling; Blind; Fosu-Mensah-
The Ecuadorian midfielder cum defender has been brilliant in the recent weeks for Manchester Untied and has supported the team in attack as well as in defence. He might retain his position in the game as Darmian will be missing due to his injury. Daley Blind had a much deserved rest in the last game and hence, Rojo was introduced. To be very honest, the Argentine defender messed the defence completely for United and therefore, Blind will surely start alongside Smalling in the game. With Shaw and Darmian out injured, the young Dutch defender who recently got his first ever international call for the senior side might get his chance to increase his confidence.
Midfield: Lingard; Mata; Rooney; Carrick; Martial-
Mata acted as a wingman in the last game and his skills were completely wasted there. Van Gaal introduced Lingard as a number 10, but he didn’t have much effect in the game. The two midfielders might swap their positions for the game against West Ham to give a different approach to the team. Rooney played as a striker due to the absence of Rashford and he might join Carrick in the midfield for the next game in the heart of the midfield. Martial was left out due the hamstring injury he picked up while warming up, but he might return to this game on his usual position.
Attack: Rashford-
The last time the young lad faced West Ham United, he finished the ball into the back of the net with style. He was rested in the last game, and I’m pretty sure that he will start the game against West Ham United.