Manchester United’s final game before Christmas is a trip to London to face West Ham, and manager Erik ten Hag is dealing with a defensive dilemma.

In the build-up to last weekend’s game at Liverpool, the manager lost Harry Maguire to injury, while Diogo Dalot was sent off in the final moments. Despite the twin blow, Ten Hag’s team fought back to earn a vital point at Anfield.

If United lose on Saturday, they would fall behind their opponents and spend Christmas Day in eighth place in the Premier League table, but a win might move them up to sixth depending on what happens in Newcastle’s game at Luton. Mirror Football examines how Ten Hag’s men could line up at the London Stadium.

Defense and goalkeeper

With Maguire out, Raphael Varane came in from the cold and performed admirably at center-back. Although the French international’s long-term future is uncertain, he is expected to remain in front of Andre Onana this weekend.

With Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof still out, experienced Jonny Evans will likely partner Varane in the middle. Ten Hag acknowledged in the days leading up to the game that Lindelof will be out for longer than expected.

The one imposed alteration is at right-back. With Dalot out, Aaron Wan-Bissaka is expected to step in and make a case for more regular minutes in Ten Hag’s starting lineup.

Midfield

At Anfield, United started with a defensive shape, with Kobbie Mainoo, Scott McTominay, and Sofyan Amrabat tasked with neutralizing Liverpool. However, with captain Bruno Fernandes returning from suspension, at least one alteration is expected.

Mainoo has performed admirably everytime he has been called upon for this term, and he may easily retain his position. Amrabat appears to be the most likely to be left out.

Casemiro and Mason Mount will be pushed for minutes after coming off the bench against Liverpool, but Hannibal will be looking for more. Christian Eriksen could be in contention to play after returning to training, though not right away.

Forwards

Ten Hag must decide whether to remain with the same front three that started the previous game. Rasmus Hojlund was flanked by Alejandro Garnacho and Antony against Liverpool, but the home team conducted the majority of the attacking.

Marcus Rashford and Facundo Pellistri both made late cameos in the goalless draw, but they may have to settle for a bench spot again. Anthony Martial missed out last weekend due to injury, but he could play a role this time.

Opponents Meanwhile, West Ham will be relying on a few first-team players. Aaron Cresswell and Nayef Aguerd have been battling illnesses, and Michail Antonio may not be ready to return from injury.

Predicted Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Evans, Shaw; Mainoo, McTominay; Antony, Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund