90min

The West Ham lineup that should start against Man Utd in the FA Cup

By Toby Cudworth

David Moyes won't be able to call on Jesse Lingard
David Moyes won't be able to call on Jesse Lingard / Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
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Resurgent West Ham have another opportunity to put the cat among the pigeons when they travel to Manchester United for their FA Cup fifth round clash.

The Hammers have been superb for the majority of 2020/21, and are riding high in the Premier League's top six after a sustained period of good form. They've also safely negotiated potential cup banana skins against Stockport and Doncaster to earn a date at Old Trafford, bringing back memories of a quarter-final clash in 2016 that saw Dimitri Payet score a sensational free-kick.

West Ham ended up drawing that game before losing the replay to United, but will have high hopes of pulling off a 'shock' given the Red Devils' erratic home form - throwing away a two-goal lead against Everton at the weekend evidence of said problem.

Here, 90min picks the lineup Moyes should plump for, one that won't involve Jesse Lingard as he's cup tied.

1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

West Ham Coyi GIF by West Ham United - Find & Share on GIPHY

Lukasz Fabianski (GK) - West Ham have a distant eye on European qualification, but fielding a weakened team is not an option. Consequently, Darren Randolph sits on the bench again and Fabianski starts.

Vladimir Coufal (RB) - The Czech defender may be the signing of the season in terms of value for money. Liverpool transfer guru Michael Edwards, who?

Craig Dawson (CB) - A couple of months ago many would have been thinking why on earth is Craig Dawson taking up a valuable loan spot. Now, everybody loves him.

Angelo Ogbonna (CB) - The leader of the defence and model of all around consistency. Relishes the big occasion.

Aaron Cresswell (LB) - Looked out of his depth at full-back for the best part of 18 months, but is now fully rejuvenated. His crossing ability and delivery is up there with the very best in England.

2. Midfielders

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Declan Rice (CM) - Irritating transfer links to Chelsea are now in the rear view mirror, allowing Rice to focus on doing what he does best - running things in midfield and breaking up everything that comes his way.

Tomas Soucek (CM) - Red card overturned, and rightly so, it's back to business for West Ham's other Czech sensation. Could be a real threat against a United side susceptible at set pieces.

Ryan Fredericks (RM) - Jarrod Bowen, let's face it, is a little off the pace right now and looks tired. Ryan Fredericks, on the other hand, did a number on Jack Grealish - alongside Coufal - and looked pretty sharp going forward. Andriy Yarmolenko is another option, but the Englishman deserves this.

Said Benrahma (AM) - Shifted back into a number ten role because of Lingard's absence, the onus is on Benrahma to get on the ball and make things happen.

Pablo Fornals (LM) - Has missed out in the last couple of games because of Lingard's arrival, meaning his work rate should be at its very best. Will need to be as well to give the Hammers a chance.

3. Forward

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Michail Antonio (ST) - Has copped a fair bit of criticism over the past couple of weeks for missing chances, largely from those who have fish guts for brains. Without Antonio, West Ham are a completely different side - and he could be the star turn against United's wobbly defence.

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