West Ham predicted XI v Manchester United: Graham Potter to drop two players
West Ham take on Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday in the Premier League, aiming to secure an impressive away result.
Graham Potter has not particularly enjoyed the best of starts to life at the London Stadium and would like to end the season on a positive note.
Ruben Amorim’s side, despite their dismal league form, will be on a high, after making it to the final of UEFA Europa League.
Potter could look to make two changes defensively
Aaron Cresswell proved to be extremely slow in his left centre-back role and this could be the game Konstantinos Mavropanos is given a start.
While the Greece international himself has struggled, he is more suited to playing in a back three than a back four.
The other change could be young Oliver Scarles coming in at left-back in place of Emerson.
While the Italian has been the first choice, Potter needs to think about next season and exposing Scarles to the Old Trafford atmosphere could be what he needs to mature into a better player.
West Ham can back themselves to secure a rare win at Old Trafford
The Hammers face a challenge at Old Trafford against Manchester United, whose inconsistent Premier League form belies their European prowess.
The hosts’ six-match winless domestic streak and 15th-place standing contrast with their 7-1 Europa League semi-final aggregate win over Athletic Bilbao, showcasing their ability to perform against elite sides.
| Lucas Paqueta Premier League stats this season | |
| Appearances | 31 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Yellow cards | 9 |
Their physical, high-pressing style under Amorim could overwhelm West Ham’s injury-hit squad, missing key players like Michail Antonio, Crysencio Summerville, and possibly Edson Alvarez, while United’s absences include Lisandro Martinez and others.
However, with the Manchester outfit’s Europa League final looming, Amorim may rest his stars, potentially fielding a second-string side.
This could level the playing field for Potter’s men, whose recent flashes of quality against Tottenham and Liverpool suggest they can capitalise on a weakened Red Devils side, boosting their chances of a crucial win.