Midfield:
Micheal Carrick’s absence will mean Moyes is sure to play Phil Jones in the defensive midfield role pairing up with Tom Cleverley. The double pivot in the centre of the park will have to make sure they don’t allow the Hammers midfield have no space and play between their channels. Adnan Januzaj, the young kid who is making great strides each passing game and looks a fine prospect for the future, will again start in the left wing role, capable of switching positions with Anton Valencia on the right. The latter was in fantastic form last week and was simply undefendable against Aston Villa albeit his trademark incisive runs and darts inside the box.
Striking Force:
Both Rooney and Van Perise are out as the latter is losing his race against time to be fit for the game. The latter though is a bigger casualty and will only return in late January or early February. Quoted by ESPN, Moyes confirmed that Rooney “is injured” and when asked if he would have him back for the festive period, the Scot replied: “We hope so”. This means unless Rooney passes the late fitness test, the in form striker Danny Welbeck is expected to start.