David Moyes must rejig his West Ham United side to cope with the loss of Jesse Lingard for the trip to Manchester United.
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Lingard has been a revelation for West Ham since signing on loan from the Red Devils in January.
So much so he is expected to win the Premier League Player of the Month award for February.
Moyes must rejig without Lingard for Man United
The playmaker cannot face his parent club on Sunday night due to Premier League rules.
So Moyes must find a way to rejig his high-flying West Ham side, who will go just three points behind second-placed Man United if they win – and will also have a game in hand.
Lingard has been a permanent fixture in the side since signing for the Hammers.
So how can Moyes set up to manage without him?
In the FA Cup game Moyes opted for a wingback formation.
Will Hammers boss opt for back five like in the cup or be more attack minded against depleted Red Devils?
If he goes the same way expect to see Ben Johnson on the left with Aaron Cresswell at left centre-back alongside Craig Dawson and Issa Diop and Vladimir Coufal at right wingback.
Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek will continue their brilliant midfield partnership.
Pablo Fornals will undoubtedly be in the side given his excellent form and workrate.
Michail Antonio will lead the line up front.
So that leaves one spot for either Said Benrahma or Jarrod Bowen.
Benrahma looked sharp against Leeds. But he was once again substituted by Moyes.
The Algerian looked bitterly disappointed and after the game Moyes criticised his forward players for failing to carry out the game plan they had worked on leading up to the match.
Straight choice between Benrahma and Bowen but both could play if Moyes goes with a four
Bowen has been out of sorts in recent months after a bout of illness.
Moyes should start Benrahma as he has the ability to unlock defences and will give Man United something to think about.
He will then have Bowen to call on should he be needed as a replacement for Antonio or Benrahma.
Should West Ham set up with four at the back, both Benrahma and Bowen could start.
That would mean Johnson stays on the bench with Cresswell at left-back.
West Ham could be facing a depleted Man United side who might be without six first team players.
The Manchester Evening News claims Juan Mata, Paul Pogba and Edinson Cavani are still out injured. Marcus Rashford and Donny van de Beek are expected to miss out as well. Meanwhile, David De Gea isn’t expected back until after the March internationals.
And that’s BEFORE Man United’s big Europa League first leg clash with Milan tonight.
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