90min

Man Utd predicted lineup vs West Ham - Carabao Cup

By Jamie Spencer

This will be a game for Anthony Martial to stake his claim for a place
This will be a game for Anthony Martial to stake his claim for a place / James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images
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Manchester United face West Ham again just days after a tense 2-1 Premier League win at the London Stadium, but the meeting at Old Trafford on Wednesday night comes in the Carabao Cup third round.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has guided United to the semi-finals of this competition in each of the last two seasons and is well aware it provides a good opportunity to deliver all-important silverware.

Here’s a look at the starting XI the manager could pick to face the Hammers…

1. Goalkeeper & defenders

Tom Heaton is expected to make his competitive Man Utd debut
Tom Heaton is expected to make his competitive Man Utd debut / Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images

Tom Heaton (GK) - 19 long years after he first joined United’s academy ranks, the 35-year-old goalkeeper looks set to make his senior debut following a return this summer.

Diogo Dalot (RB) - His United career had previously looked over after falling out of favour with Solskjaer at some point in early 2020. But this is a big chance to prove himself.

Victor Lindelof (CB) - Made a very strong start to the season and will have been disappointed to lose his place in the team, even if it was for four-time Champions League winner Raphael Varane.

Eric Bailly (CB) - A first appearance of the season is on the cards for the Ivorian. He has been on the bench for the last three games in all competitions after a post-Olympics rest.

Luke Shaw (LB) - Alex Telles has recovered from a pre-season ankle injury and has said he ‘feels good’, but whether he is ready to immediately start the game is a little doubtful.

2. Midfielders

Donny van de Beek
Donny van de Beek should get another chance to start / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

Nemanja Matic (CM) - Midfield rotation will see changes in the centre of the pitch, with Scott McTominay, Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes all likely to be rested.

Donny van de Beek (CM) - The Dutchman is still determined to prove himself and enjoyed a very positive midfield partnership alongside Matic in a pre-season friendly against Everton.

Juan Mata (AM) - Another who is yet to play so far this season, having been an unused substitute in all six of United’s games in all competition. ‘Number 10’ is his best position.

3. Forwards

Jadon Sancho needs more minutes to build his sharpness
Jadon Sancho needs more minutes to build his sharpness / Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images

Jadon Sancho (RW) - Has only started three times since his £73m transfer from Borussia Dortmund and still needs more minutes to build up his match fitness and sharpness.

Anthony Martial (ST) - Cristiano Ronaldo would start every single game if he could, but this is an important chance for Martial to start for only the second time this season.

Jesse Lingard (LW) - Hit the winner against West Ham on Sunday and is expected to be rewarded with a first start of the season after scoring in successive domestic games.

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