By Joe Merrill
Manchester United face West Ham tonight in an FA Cup quarter-final replay at Upton Park in what could be considered a season defining match for the Red Devils and the Hammers.
It’s no doubt that the club that advances is the outright favourite to win the cup.
The two teams are pretty evenly matched. Both have explosive players, but also areas where they need to improve.
The last time these two sides faced off we saw a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.
One has to wonder how United will shut down player of the year candidate Dimitri Payet and the “unplayable” Andy Carroll, fresh off a hat trick against Arsenal?
Can United’s attack come to life on the road? Here’s the Transfer Tavern’s pick for the 4-2-3-1 Man United need to field if they want to beat West Ham tonight……..
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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE 4-2-3-1 MAN UTD TEAM!
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The Back Four
RB: Antonio Valencia
CB: Daley Blind
CB: Chris Smalling
LB: Marcos Rojo
United have struggled offensively this season, and have relied on their defence for much of their success.
However, this was not the case last week as Tottenham managed to score three goals in six minutes on the Red Devils.
The problems came, in most part, from substitute Matteo Darmian who was responsible for all three of Spurs goals on Sunday.
Chris Smalling and Daley Blind duo has the best shot of shutting down a red hot Andy Carroll.
With starlet Timothy Fosu-Mensah unlikely to play due to injury, Antonio Valencia has the best chance of containing Dimitri Payet.
Marcos Rojo looked great against West Ham last time around, look for him to start tonight as well.
Holding Midfielders
Morgan Schneiderlin
Ander Herrera
One of the most important players to United’s success this season is Morgan Schneiderlin and his ability to disrupt play in the middle of the pitch.
He will match up well against the creative Mark Noble, the pace setter for the West Ham attack as a whole.
Not only can Schneiderlin handle Noble, but also his vision can quickly turn on United’s counterattack.
Schneiderlin should be paired with Ander Herrera, who has yet to become a consistent player in the United lineup, but has proven in his chances that he is able to play in big games.
Attacking midfielders
LW: Lingard
RW: Martial
CAM: Mata
Juan Mata has established himself as one of United’s essential playmakers. He deserves the nod to take on the #10 role tonight.
Lingard is a player not often talked about, but has the speed to ignite the Red Devil’s attack.
Martial has been the most explosive attacking player in the United XI all season and could do some damage to the West Ham defence.
Striker: Marcus Rashford
The 18 year-old breakout starlet should get the start tonight as he’s proven to be one of United’s best finishers.
Not only has he impressed while in the lineup, he’s scored big goals in important matches for the Red Devils.
Don’t be surprised if Rashford finds the back of the net tonight.
