The EFL Cup campaign gets underway for Manchester United today as they prepare for the visit of West Ham United at Old Trafford.
Both Manchester United and West Ham played out an exciting Premier League game over the weekend at the London Stadium, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men returning home with all three points.
With the Red Devils set to take on the Hammers for the second time in four days, Solskjaer is expected to ring in the changes for today’s game.
Team News
Dean Henderson is expected to be fit for action after a prolonged spell on the sidelines due to COVID. Phil Jones has also been building up his match fitness with the U-23s.
Alex Telles and Anthony Elanga have been belatedly named in the Matchday squad while Diallo and Rashford remain absent.
Predicted Manchester United Lineup vs West Ham (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
David de Gea, after his heroic penalty save in the stoppage time against West Ham on Sunday, will be rested. While Tom Heaton is in consideration, we feel Dean Henderson will be desperate for a start in the Man United lineup and will be keen to impress the manager.
Defence
The Manchester United backline is likely to witness an overhaul.
Diogo Dalot is certain to start at right-back after Aaron Wan-Bissaka completed 90 minutes on Sunday. Solskjaer could rest his first-choice centre-back pairing of Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane and hand starts to Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly against West Ham. The latter might have some issues regarding match fitness which could see Phil Jones feature in the conversation.
Both Lindelof and Bailly have to be at the top of their games to nullify the threat of Michail Antonio, who was suspended for West Ham’s 2-1 loss to United and will be raring to have an impact once again.
Luke Shaw is in line to get a breather and Alex Telles’ late inclusion in the squad could see the Brazilian get a start in the Man United lineup.
Midfield
It will be interesting to see whether Ole decides to be a bit more adventurous given the competition. Donny van de Beek will get a start. His partnership with Fred looked promising against Young Boys before the Wan-Bissaka red card and it will be interesting to see whether Ole gives the duo another go or not.
Predicted Manchester United Lineup vs West Ham | EFL Cup
Juan Mata, in that case, could be handed his first start of the season in the Man United lineup in the no.10 role. The diminutive Spaniard’s incisive passing and vision will be key in unlocking the rigid West Ham backline.
Attack
Solskjaer has confirmed Jesse Lingard will start on Wednesday after his heroics at the London Stadium on Sunday and the England international will want to make a mark again. Jadon Sancho has had a slow start to life at United but he’s expected to be handed a start on the right flank against David Moyes’ side.
Cristiano Ronaldo will be afforded a night off in this EFL Cup fixture, meaning Anthony Martial could get the nod to lead the Reds’ attack to try and get his season up and running.
Edinson Cavani could also be handed some minutes if deemed fit enough.