Manchester United take on West Ham in an FA Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford tomorrow, with a place at Wembley for the semi-finals at stake.
The Reds will be looking to redeem themselves after a dismal performance against Liverpool in the first leg of their Europa League tie at Anfield, where they fell to a two-goal defeat against Jürgen Klopp’s side.
However, tomorrow’s game is no easy task for Louis van Gaal’s side, who will come up against a West Ham side that has enjoyed a fine season. Slaven Bilic has turned the Hammers into a formidable opponent for any side, and with Dimitri Payet expected to spreadhead the line, United will face a tough game at the Theatre of Dreams.
United will certainly want to get themselves in the semi-finals of the FA Cup, but this game will also serve as a dress rehearsal for the second leg of the Europa League tie against Liverpool on Thursday. Win, and it could be a massive confidence boost. Lose, and United’s season could well be done and dusted by Thursday.
Here’s our predicted XI for tomorrow:
GK - David de Gea
The undisputed number one in goal.
RB - Guillermo Varela
One of the few United players not to disgrace themselves at Anfield. The Uruguayan should retain his place in the side.
CB - Chris Smalling
The Maidstone Maldini hasn’t quite returned to the standards he set earlier in the season, but he is still a crucial cog in this United side.
CB - Daley Blind
The Dutchman has been the only United defender not afflicted by injury this season but has looked jaded in recent weeks. Ideally, he would be rested but the lack of options means the 26-year-old starts again.
LB - Matteo Darmian
Marcos Rojo hasn’t covered himself in glory since returning from injury, so I’d plump for Darmian to play on the left-hand side of defence tomorrow.
CM - Bastian Schweinsteiger
United have lacked a leader in recent weeks and the return of Schweinsteiger bodes well. The German loves a big game and fans will hope he can step up to the plate.
CM - Morgan Schneiderlin
Wasn’t at his best against Liverpool on Thursday, but he is still a much better option than Marouane Fellaini or Michael Carrick in the centre of the park.
RM - Jesse Lingard
Missed out against Liverpool due to suspension, but should slot straight back into the side tomorrow.
CAM - Ander Herrera
Came off the bench against Liverpool after apparently picking up a slight knock in training, but with Juan Mata suspended, Hererra should get the chance to play further up the pitch.
LM - Anthony Martial
The Frenchman’s impact has been stunted in recent weeks while playing up top or on the right and should replace Memphis on the left-hand side tomorrow.
ST - Marcus Rashford
The youngster was hooked by Louis van Gaal at half-time against Liverpool after playing on the right-hand side of midfield, but Rashford should start up top against the Hammers.