There are likely to be a number of changes when Manchester United take on West Ham in the FA Cup tonight.
The fifth round clash at Old Trafford places United one win away from the quarter-finals, after beating Watford and Liverpool in previous rounds.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has to get his selection right, amid a desire to rotate while fielding a side strong enough to win.
Changes at the back
Dean Henderson has been Manchester United’s cup goalkeeper this season. Expect this to continue tonight.
It is a big opportunity for him after David de Gea’s poor performance at the weekend. A Premier League start against West Brom at the weekend could be up fro grabs.
United owe it to Henderson to field a strong defence. Eric Bailly is out injured still, so expect Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof to start together again.
Alex Telles may come in to get his chance at left-back with Aaron Wan-Bissaka retaining his place on the right.
Midfield and attack
Paul Pogba is expected to be unavailable through injury which reduces United’s midfield options. He may have been due to be rested for this one anyway.
Donny van de Beek has started both of the FA Cup games so far. This could continue against the Hammers, with Bruno Fernandes on the bench if needed.
A midfield partnership of Nemanja Matic and Fred could sit behind him. Matic has some making up to do after a poor performance against Sheffield United in his last game.
A partnership with the mobile and energetic Fred could provide a good balance, and it was one which was effective in the early Carabao Cup rounds this season.
Up front, Anthony Martial should get his chance with Edinson Cavani likely to be rested or moved to the bench.
Marcus Rashford rarely gets a break and is likely to start, while on the other wing we could see Dan James get an opportunity, his first start since the third round tie against Watford.
Starting James would put United on the front foot early and give United the attacking energy which would be lacking if Juan Mata was selected instead, for instance.
On the bench…
We want to see Amad Diallo involved. A place on the bench is probably the best he could hope for.
This would be a strong message for Solskjaer to send. Diallo has six goal contributions in two under-23 games.
Calling him up quickly will encourage the rest of the very talented under-23 side that they can potentially earn chances if they continue performing as they are.
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