Line-ups ready: Carrick chasing fifth win on the bounce

London – Michael Carrick brings his resurgent Manchester United to the London Stadium on Tuesday night (20:15 GMT) knowing that a fifth straight victory would deepen the feel-good factor swirling around the red half of the city. Since the former midfielder stepped into the dug-out, United have rattled off four consecutive wins and found the net at least twice in every outing, a scoring spree that has propelled them up the table and into the conversation for European qualification.

Bruno Fernandes, the Portuguese playmaker at the heart of the revival, sits one assist away from eclipsing Ryan Giggs’ single-season record for away assists, a milestone that could fall on the same patch of east-London turf where United have stumbled recently.

West Ham, however, have no intention of rolling over. Under Nuno Espírito Santo, the Hammers have collected nine points from the last 12 available, a surge that has dragged them clear of the relegation quicksand. Much of the optimism centres on Crysencio Summerville, the Dutch winger whose direct running and eye for goal have turned tight games in West Ham’s favour. Add the psychological edge of having beaten United in each of their last three meetings at the London Stadium, and the hosts will believe another shock is within reach.

Team-sheet headaches add spice to the tactical duel. United will be without Todibo through suspension, while injuries to De Ligt and Mount rob Carrick of key options. Nuno, by contrast, is expected to have a near-full squad, setting the stage for a night where momentum meets history and both sides crave the points for very different reasons.

With goals guaranteed in United’s recent run and West Ham’s new-found resilience, a tight, high-stakes contest beckons under the lights.