Two of his big wishes for this season were a new striker and a goalkeeper. Now, he must decide whether to hand out two full Premier League debuts in a fixture that could define how Manchester United’s season takes shape.
The spotlight is on Benjamin Sesko, the £74million front man signed to lead the attack - and also on £18million keeper Senne Lammens, a late arrival from Royal Antwerp who is already pushing for a chance.
Sesko has been used sparingly so far, restricted to three substitute appearances in the league as Amorim has resisted the temptation to throw him in too soon.
Sources say the plan has been deliberate. Amorim demands players prove themselves on the training ground before he trusts them in the starting eleven, no matter the price tag or outside pressure.
With Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount both looking likely to miss out, that policy is being tested - but there is growing expectation that Sesko’s time has come.
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Those close to the squad believe Amorim has been scrutinising whether the forward has fully adjusted to the physical and tactical demands of English football.
He arrived late in the summer and needed time to connect with his new teammates. Joshua Zirkzee is also under consideration for a start, we understand.
The goalkeeping situation is just as delicate.
Lammens, 23, has only trained for a few days, but Altay Bayindir’s unconvincing form has left the door ajar.
Throwing a newcomer straight into a derby is a risk, yet so is sticking with a player in goal that has had shaky moments since the first day of the campaign. Yet Amorim will only turn to Lammens if he has been suitably impressed behind closed doors.
The derby may well be the moment Sesko is fully unleashed - but whether Amorim also gambles on his new goalkeeper could be the call that shapes the outcome.
