The Premier League never fails to deliver great games and the game between Man United vs West Ham can be tagged as one of them. A clash that attracts the eye of fans and pundits, pasty thanks to historical animosity between both clubs as well as over domestic infamy. STAR names and tactical managers leave both side’s lineups as a key conversation point before a clash. This article focuses on the expected formations and player roles of Manchester United as well as West Ham United.
Manchester United: Expected Lineup
Goalkeeper and Defense
De Gea may no longer be at the club, but United could just about get away with it as they have world class shot-stopper André Onana. United will utilise Onana’s shot stopping abilities as well as his distribution, convinced he is the keeper to play out from the back. Manchester United, on the other hand, will memorably continue with a back four of Lisandro Martínez and Raphaël Varane, despite all the affection Simeone has for physicality. He has worked in tandem with him to provide defensive security.
In defence, Luke Shaw is set to operate on the left flanks as he looks to provide some width and also go forward. On the right, Aaron Wan Bissaka could be picked especially given his tackling ability that is going to keep fast wingers at bay for West Ham.
Midfield Setup
The midfield is the area where Manchester United could win or lose a game. Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes The new heartbeat of the centre circle for United Defensively solid and very mature, Casemiro, should be able to give the front three a decent amount of service while Bruno Fernandes will dictate play from his vision and passing ability.
And we might even get a glimpse of Mason Mount at the tip of United’s midfield, bringing that spark and dynamism back into play. Or Christian Eriksen is in for something slightly less direct more measured, control.
Forwards and Attack
Manchester United will line up with Marcus Rashford as a part of their attacking trio alongside Antony, and possibly, also including the talented Danish youngster end-product mastermind – indicating that it could be the side which saw action against Ipswich Town over this week’s training match. Rashford has the raw speed that can get him in behind even a compact West Ham defence, plus his ability to cut inside from said left will play trouble for opposition right backs while Antony is our most creative winger who loves cutting in and setting up chances.
In the central striker position, newly signed United player Rasmis Højlund may fill in. The 21 year old’s aerial prowess and clinical edge could prove troublesome for the Hammers’ defence.
West Ham UnitedExpected Lineup
Goalkeeper and Defense
With a lot to lose in this game, the Hammers will probably look no further than first choice shot stopper Alphonse Areola. Time after time, the French international has shown that he can pull off crucial stops. He will also deploy a a traditional back four in front of him with Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd at the heart.
Vladimír Coufal and Emerson Palmieri will presumably be the right-back and left back. Manchester United have tricky wingers so both players will need to complement their defensive duties with supporting attacks from the wide areas.
Midfield Setup
West Ham has a wealth of talent in midfield and this is where the Hammers are strongest. Arsenal will feel the impact of losing Declan Rice. Yet, West Ham has landed top class alternatives signing Lucas Paquetá and James Ward Prowse.
Tomas Soucek should sit deep, using his defensive skills and aerial advantage to ruffle Manchester United’s feathers. On the flip side, Paquetá should have more freedom to create without needing a run up to hit his stride. And Ward Prowse, whose dead-ball abilities add another dimension to our set pieces as we’ll start the season without Wardley having trained with us this week and had limited contact time again, may be a key player in providing goal threats from such moments of play.
Forwards and Attack
Up front, the Hammers should line up with Michail Antonio as their lone striker. His physical presence, speed and hold-up play helped him become a nightmare for defenders. Wingers Jarrod Bowen and Said Benrahma are expected to operate on either side of Antonio, offering pace and invention.
Bowen has started the season in top form, with goals and assists aplenty from either side of midfield while Benrahma offers a special sort of unpredictability to spearhead the West Ham attack. Man United vs West Ham Both wingers are looking to exploit United’s full backs and craft chances for Antonio.
Key Tactical Battles
Case Study: Casamaro’s Midfield And Soucek
One of the biggest points determining who wins or loses is going to be in that midfield battle. West Ham has in form wingers and a great number 10 so Casemiro’s defensive work is going to be key for this game, no one else. Nevertheless, the physicality of Soucek might worry United, especially in aerial duels and set piece situations. Why it is interesting to see what team can win the midfield and control how fast or slow this game will be played.
Wide areas Rashford vs Coufal
Marcus Rashford’s pace and dribbling might well pin back Vladimír Coufal. But Rashford is going to be the vital player, at which point you hope Winston Reid or whoever Slaven Bilic plays instead of him in that hole where his heart should but doesn’t exist anymore and it’s just a black void leading down into hell itself gets out of bed on the right side. West Ham will probably defend well on the wings, while Manchester United’s objective would be to utilize those areas of space.
Key Aerial Duels Won Højlund Zouma
Rasmus Højlund vs. Kurt Zouma West Ham have a tough tackling central defence and Zouma excels in winning aerial battles. That said, Højlund tends to be more mobile and adept at getting into the box so he might just get a slight edge in this one.
Line up: Prediction Bench Strength
Predicted Starting Xi Against Manchester United
Goalkeeper: André Onana
Defenders: Aaron Wan Bissaka, Raphaël Varane, Lisandro Martínez (new), Luke Shaw
Midfielders: Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes (Eriksen or Mount)
Forwards: Antony, Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Højlund
West Ham United Predicted Starting XI:
Goalkeeper: Alphonse Areola
Defenders: Vladimír Coufal, Kurt Zouma Nayef Aguerd Emerson Palmieri
Midfielders: Tomas Soucek, Lucas Paquetá, James Ward-Prowse
Charges: Jarrod Bowen, Michail Antonio, Said Benrahma
Bench Options
Man United have depth with legitimate options off the bench as well as Jadon Sancho, Scott McTominay and Facundo Pellistri. With Pablo Fornals, Danny Ings and a sub role for the captain, you could balance your formation to play along with or change it up if needed.
Conclusion
Man United vs West Ham have a flair for the dramatic, so expect some fireworks at Vicarage Road. After a period of festive excess, perhaps the most anticipated yet excruciatingly nerve wracking game on matchday 22 sees West Ham visit Manchester United in an all Premier League tie. While Man Utd are favourites due to their defensive excellence and superior squad depth, it is hard not to think that such is West Ham’s solid defence combined with their counter attacking style they will make life difficult for any team between now and May. The line ups will be a huge factor in how this game plays out, with both managers needing to walk the tightrope of enough attacking threats while maintaining a defensive rearguard.
Rochdale v Plymouth The two league campaigners are to lock horns in a tactical engagement unless there is an outright winner. The two counter attacking styles should produce an entertaining encounter, as United’s high press goes up against a West Ham side who are dynamite on the break. Two sides with a clear ambition to climb the Premier League will guarantee an exciting Sunday win for us football fans.
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