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Manchester United travel to the London Stadium to face West Ham United on Tuesday in a pivotal Premier League clash, with kick-off set for 8:15pm – and both sides have plenty on the line.

United head into the contest on a four-match league winning run since Michael Carrick took over, most recently beating Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 at Old Trafford.

Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes scored as the away side played most of the match with 10 men. This run has pushed Carrick’s side into fourth place with 44 points from 25 matches.

West Ham, however, are fighting at the other end and start the week in the relegation zone. The London club are 18th on 23 points after a 2-0 win away at Burnley on Saturday.

Tactical themes

The first question is how ambitious West Ham will be in possession. Nuno Espirito Santo’s teams are often comfortable defending in a compact shape before breaking quickly.

This approach can make the opening phase look rigid. The hosts will try to force play wide and protect the middle, especially if United attempt to build with Lisandro Martinez’s short passes from the back.

United’s recent improvement has come from Kobbie...