Two of the Premier League’s under-fire managers, Julen Lopetegui and Erik ten Hag, face off when West Ham host Manchester United on Sunday.
The Red Devils come into this fixture off the back of a 1-1 UEFA Europa League draw with Fenerbahce — a result that did little to ease the pressure on Ten Hag, even though a point away to Jose Mourinho’s team was not in itself a terrible outcome.
United started this weekend 12th in the table and, with speculation persisting that the club’s sporting operators are considering a chance in manager, Ten Hag desperately needs to produce a string of positive performances. Their 2-1 win at home to Brentford last time out did at least improve the mood at Old Trafford.
Things are arguably worse for Lopetegui, who saw his West Ham side thrashed 4-1 by Tottenham last weekend. With just one win in their past seven games across all competitions, the Spaniard needs to find a way to get the Hammers playing with confidence again — and he may make a few changes to his lineup to achieve that end.
The Jugo Mobile looks at the latest team news and predicted starting XIs for this fixture.
West Ham vs. Man United lineups, predicted starting 11, team news
Lopetegui is reportedly ready to recall Edson Alvarez, the midfielder having not started his side’s past three matches.
There is also speculation that the manager is unhappy with the form of goalkeeper Alphonse Areola and midfield star Lucas Paqueta, meaning there is a chance both could be dropped for this weekend.
Mohammed Kudus is banned after his red card at Tottenham, while injured striker Niclas Fullkrug is not expected to be ready yet.
West Ham predicted XI (4-1-4-1, right to left): Fabianski (GK) — Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Emerson — Alvarez — Bowen, Soucek, Soler, Summerville — Antonio
Injured: FullkrugSuspended: Kudus
United will recall Bruno Fernandes, who was suspended for the Europa League draw at Fenerbahce, and Rasmus Hojlund will likely return to the lineup in place of Joshua Zirkzee.
Noussair Mazraoui should revert to full-back after starting as a No. 10 in Turkey this week. That would see Lisandro Martinez move to centre-back to partner Matthijs de Ligt. Manuel Ugarte could keep his place after impressing in midfield, where he will likely be partnered by Casemiro, with Kobbie Mainoo injured.
Fans are hopeful that Amad Diallo might see some game time, although it’s likely to be as a substitute. Antony suffered an injury against Fenerbahce and will miss out.
Man United predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Onana (GK) — Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot — Casemiro, Ugarte — Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford — Hojlund
Injured: Antony, Malacia, Mainoo, Maguire, Mount, Shaw, Yoro, Evans (doubt)Suspended: None
West Ham vs. Man United live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this Premier League match across selected areas of the world’s major regions:
