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United face West Ham again


Published : 21 Sep 2021 09:32 PM | Updated : 22 Sep 2021 06:22 PM

Three days after renewing hostilities in the Premier League, Manchester United and West Ham United prepare for battle in the third round of the EFL Cup at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

It just had to be Jesse Lingard at the London Stadium. After propelling West Ham into the Europa League last term and ultimately staying put at Old Trafford despite heavy interest from David Moyes's side, the England international ended West Ham's unbeaten start to the league season with an 89th-minute effort.

Lingard's winner came after Cristiano Ronaldo had levelled the scores following Said Benrahma's opener, but Mr. reliable Mark Noble had a golden opportunity to salvage a point from the penalty spot with virtually the last kick of the game, but David de Gea kept out the veteran's effort before being mobbed by his teammates and manager.

United continue to make do without attackers Marcus Rashford and Amad Diallo, but EdinsonCavani is in with a chance of featuring after a disrupted start to the new season.

Alex Telles is more of an uncertainty, while it will likely be too soon for Phil Jones to return to first-team action, so Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly could earn recalls to the defence.

The likes of Donny van de Beek, DiogoDalot and Anthony Martial should all earn starts here, while Tom Heaton may be given the nod in between the sticks as Dean Henderson builds up his fitness.

West Ham forward Michail Antonio returns from suspension this week and should slot straight back into the first XI as the lone striker, with Winston Reid now the visitors' only confirmed absentee through injury.

Lukasz Fabianski put in a strong showing on Sunday but should make way for Alphonse Areola here, while Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek should be granted well-earned rests as Noble and Alex Kral form a midfield pairing.

IssaDiop and AndriyYarmolenko are also options for change for Moyes, who could also elect to bring Ryan Fredericks and Arthur Masuaku back in to the rearguard.

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