Preview and Prediction
The Red Devils’ hope to end the season in the top four is still open. They are only one point away from Chelsea and collect the same point as Leicester on the third or fourth. This midweek will be a good opportunity to finally climb up there as they only host West Ham at their home turf. The Hammers are supposed to be safe from the relegation threat, unless they lose in a big score in the last two games. Therefore, it is rather unwise not to attempt to pick up points in Old Trafford tomorrow.
The teams’ previous matches
Ole Solksjaer’s men surprisingly had to end their FA Cup campaign after being dismantled by Chelsea 1-3 in the semi final last weekend. They even conceded three goals first by Olivier Giroud’s flick, Mason Mount’s long range strike and Antonio Rudinger’s tap into the back of the net before Bruno Fernandes scored a consolation goal by his penalty. It was rather unfortunate of them as Chelsea’s first two goals were mainly due to David De Gea’s error.
West Ham, on the other hand, managed to trash their closest contender for permanence, Watford by three goals to one. Michael Antonio opened the score sheet, followed by Tomas Soucek’s header and completed by Declan Rice’s drive. Watford only netted a consolation goal through Troy Deeney.
Possible tactic
Solksjaer is certainly not deploying the 3-4-2-1 again this time. He would return to his classic offensive 4-2-3-1 formation with Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Antony Martial and Mason Greenwood on the attacking line. However, Phil Jones, Luke Shaw, Eric Baily and Axel Tuenzebe will be sidelined.
David Moyes is likely to opt for 4-2-3-1 with the transition to 4-3-3. Michael Antonio seems to be the main forward now instead of Sebastian Haller. He is supported by two wide men, the youngster Jarrod Bowen and Pablo Fornals or Manuel Lanzini whereas Mark Noble will be the anchor of their attack. Yet, the right wing back, Ryan Fredericks has to sit out for this fixture due to the injury alongside Robert Snodgrass. Moyes would have to choose between Ben Johnson or Jeremy Ngakia to take over Fredericks’s position.
Players to watch
Manchester United has always been well known for their attacking football. This season, the duo Rashford-Martial have both scored 34 goals and provided 12 assists altogether. They are even more daunting after the arrival of Bruno Fernandes. Another notable name to watch is the wing back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Since the former Everton and Manchester United boss, David Moyes, took over the command in London Stadium, Michael Antonio has been in form as a striker. He has scored nine goals and made three assists so far. Some other key figures to watch are the Czech defensive midfielder Tomas Soucek and his partner Declan Rice.
Manchester United vs West Ham Prediction
Both teams are in need of points for their own target. Yet, the pressure is bigger for the home side, especially after their series of victory ended last weekend in FA Cup. Not to mention the bigger prize awaits them in next season, returning to the elite circle in Champions League. A home win seems inevitable in this match
Betting odds
The host is absolutely the clear favourite as they are priced to win at 1.27. The odds for a draw are at 6.35. Meanwhile, West Ham is only in the win market at 12.00.
