Manchester United predicted XI to face West Ham (Premier League): Who will partner Lisandro Martinez in defence?

Manchester United welcome West Ham United to Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

Erik ten Hag will be looking for his side to get back to winning ways in the league after a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge last Saturday.

After Manchester United’s recent performances, and comfortable 3-0 win over Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League in midweek, we likely will not see too many changes.

David de Gea will naturally continue to start in goal, having had better performances recently and no real competition.

Diogo Dalot was rested after an hour in midweek, signalling that Ten Hag wanted him to be fully fresh for the game against West Ham. He is practically undroppable right now.

Chelsea drew 1-1 with Manchester United last Saturday. (Alamy)

Tyrell Malacia started and did well at left back for the first hour against Sheriff, but Luke Shaw coming on to get an assist has probably sealed his starting spot for this game.

Lisandro Martínez starting is a given, and with Varane’s injury it is not fully clear who will partner him. A case could be made for Harry Maguire’s aerial threat against one of the league’s biggest sides.

However, Victor Lindelöf has had more time to develop a partnership with the Argentine. Knowing Erik ten Hag’s preference to stick with a set team, it is probably more likely he plays.

Since Casemiro has come into the United team he has probably been the best player in it, and his starting will likely not be in question. Christian Eriksen partnering him feels like a given, too.

Antony was substituted at half time in midweek, with Ten Hag probably wanting to keep him fresh for today. Bruno Fernandes will also likely start & captain the side.

Up front, despite Ronaldo’s goal in midweek, it is likely that Marcus Rashford starts with the Portuguese forward not fully out of the doghouse yet.

On the left, Sancho’s performances have been too poor to justify a start. Many have clamoured for Alejandro Garnacho to start after his midweek showing, but it is probably too soon. Anthony Elanga is the likely option.

Full predicted XI

De Gea, Dalot, Lindelöf, Martínez, Shaw, Casemiro, Eriksen, Fernandes, Antony, Rashford, Elanga.

Topics: Manchester United, West Ham United, Christian Eriksen

Yusuf Haq

I’m a 19-year-old Economics student going into my third year of University. A keen Manchester United fan with a strong interest in football analysis.

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