After a thumping win over Swansea on Boxing Day, with Slaven Bilic’s men displaying a rare performance of conviction, they ended on the losing side once again as they went down by one to Leicester City.
2016 has been quite erratic for the Hammers. After their brilliant run in the previous season, they started the 2016-17 campaign on a disastrous note by getting ousted from the Europa League Qualification round. It affected the team morale hugely and lack of major transfer inclusions resulted in Bilic fielding a mediocre side. However, after a series of disappointing displays and weeks of dwelling near the relegation zone, they are finally somewhere close to the top 10.
The defeat against Leicester further pushed them down, though, they could make a comeback if they manage to get something from the huge game against Manchester United. They had managed to squeeze a point at old Trafford and they would like to repeat it.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 West Ham United Line-up
Defence
Darren Randolph should start under the bar. There was nothing he could do for Slimani’s goal and Bilic still trusts his goalie for a heroic display against United.
The back four should be taken by Aaron Cresswell, Angel Ogbonna, Winston Reid and Nordtveit. Right-back has been a constant area of crisis for Bilic with Arbeloa and Byram inconsistent quite often, either with form or injuries.
The return of Reece Oxford to full training is a huge boost and Bilic will look to use him from the bench if he is match fit. The hamstring injury to James Collins against Arsenal left a huge void in the central defending area.
