Manchester United’s triumphant result last weekend shall revive their hope again to win the title. Premier League might still be out of reach considering The Citizen’s performance and solidity but nothing is impossible till the final whistle. There are still ten games remaining and the winner is not officially confirmed yet. Their next outing against The Hammers could be crucial since the London side is eyeing for one spot in the European competition next season.
The teams’ previous games
The Red Devils managed to end the league leaders’ 28 games unbeaten run on the road by two goals to nil. Bruno Fernandes’s penalty and Luke Shaw’s incredible solo run before the goal were the difference in the tight Manchunian derby.
West Ham also sealed an identical 2-0 win too at their home turf. Jesse Lindgard gave the lead after taking advantage of his deflected penalty to tuck away the ball. Craig Dawson doubled their lead through his header.
Possible tactic
Ole Solksjaer is still opting for 4-2-3-1. However, the Norwegian might have to play Anthony Martial again as Edison Cavani is ruled out along with Paul Pogba, Danny Van de Beek, David de Gea, Juan Mata, Phil Jones and possibly Marcus Rashford too. The rest will be not so much differeent with Bruno Fernandes as the number ten and Daniel James plus Mason Greenwood on both flanks. Dean Henderson will be covering between the sticks again.
Meanwhile, the former Manchester United boss, David Moyes, will have to opt for the 4-3-2-1 formation without Jesse Lindgard due to the clause in his contract which rules out his chance to face his parent club. With some other key names on the sideline such as Ryan Fredericks, Arthur Masuaku, Andrey Yarmolenko, Angelo Ogbonna and the second goalkeeper Darren Randolph, Moyes is still deploying Michael Antonio as the front man while Said Benrahma and Jarrod Bowen are supporting him from behind. In the midfield, Tomas Soucek, Declan Rice, Pablo Fornals are occupying a double role, the first layer of their defence line and building up the attack.
Players to watch
With such limited option on the front, the Portuguese international Bruno Fernandes will be count on for scoring as well as create space and chances too. He has notched up 22 goals and eleven assists in Premier League and continental campaign. Another key man to watch here is the Scottish international Scott McTominay.
The Hammers’ targetman, the versatile Michael Antonio is the second top scorer with seven goals and three assists. Some other notable figures in the squad for this fixture are Tomas Soucek with eight goals, Jarred Bowen and top assists provider, Aaron Cresswell.
Manchester United vs West Ham Prediction
The absence of Jesse Lindgard is a huge blow for David Moyes’ men. The United loanee has been the creative side who is capable of creating space to score or provide assists. Consequently, West Ham’s tactical approach will be relying on set pieces again with the Czech Republic international Tomas Soucek as the main scorer. Such will surely be easily anticipated by the home side. A narrow win for Solskjaer’s men is more likely.
Betting odds
Harry Maguire and Co is surely still the favorite. They are priced to win at 9/10, whereas Lukas Fabianski and Co’s odds to win are at 18/5. The draw result is at the value of 14/5.
