Although Manchester United have not been all that impressive in recent times, they have managed to return to winning ways with wins over Queens Park Rangers, Leicester City and Cambridge United and the victories have helped the Red Devils get their campaign back on track.
Currently in 3rd place in the Premier League, United look well on course for a top four finish but there is still a lot of work to be done by Louis van Gaal’s men and their upcoming clash against West Ham United away from home promises to be a tough encounter.
Although United have only lost one of their last ten encounters with West Ham, the Hammers are a completely different proposition during the current campaign and are remarkably also in contention for a Champions League place.
As a result, the match on Sunday looks set to be a tricky encounter for the Red Devils and they will most certainly have to play to their optimal levels in order to claim a victory.
Here is the Strongest Possible Lineup for Manchester United on the day –
Goalkeeper
David De Gea has been enjoying a couple of comfortable evenings over the last two weeks or so but one can be sure that the Spaniard will have a lot of work to do this weekend against a dangerous looking West Ham United attack.
The physical prowess of Andy Carroll and Enner Valencia allied by the cutting edge of Diafra Sakho and Stewart Downing will pose a lot of danger to the United backline and as a result, De Gea will certainly have to be on his guard.
Defence
After a season ravaged by injuries at the back, Louis van Gaal is finally afforded the luxury of selecting from his full complement of defenders ahead of the clash against West Ham United.
Having started with a four man backline against Leicester, van Gaal looks set to stick with the same shape this weekend as well. Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones seems to be the preferred central defensive partnership for Dutchman and the duo should retain their place in the starting lineup for the clash against West Ham.
In the full back positions, Luke Shaw will be starting as Ashley Young is not fully fit while Antonio Valencia should get the nod ahead of Rafael at right back.
The likes of Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans, Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett are all in contention as well if van Gaal decides to change things around.
Midfield
With Michael Carrick ruled out, Daley Blind will continue in the defensive midfield position but it will be interesting to see whom van Gaal will select in the advanced positions.
Wayne Rooney is a certain starter in a withdrawn attacking role while Angel Di Maria should also start on the wide positions.
The likes of Adnan Januzaj, Juan Mata, Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini will all be contesting for a place in the starting lineup and it will be interesting to see who gets the nod.
Mata looks like the favourite to start but with Januzaj being rested for the FA Cup 4th round replay against Cambridge United, the 20-year old could well be handed another start.
Attack
Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao both got their names in the score sheet during Manchester United’s 3-1 victory over Leicester City and the duo should be handed a start this weekend as well.
Van Persie and Falcao have managed to develop a good understanding in recent times and the duo will have to do well once again in order to breach the stubborn United backline.
(4-1-2-1-2)
Via – Lineup Builder
