The State of Play
Manchester United continued their unconvincing campaign but did manage an impressive victory in midweek to defeat Wolverhampton Wanderers by four goals to three at Molineux. They have managed just four victories with a margin of more than just one goal in 32 matches across all competitions so far this season with those victories coming against League One Wigan Athletic, League Two Newport County, Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup and Everton in the Premier League.
David Moyes’ West Ham United were booed off the pitch after their 1-1 draw with AFC Bournemouth in midweek, despite the fact that The Hammers, who are reigning UEFA Europa Conference League champions, are currently sitting in the top six of the Premier League ahead of this weekend with a UEFA Europa League knockout tie to look forward to. They have suffered just one defeat in their last 11 matches in the Premier League.
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Team News
Manchester United have find an excellent in balance in midfield since the return of Casemiro from injury with Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes supporting the Brazilian. Marcus Rashford returned to the eleven and scored against Wolves so should remain in the line-up.
West Ham United have been dealing with several availability concerns over the last month but Mohammed Kudus returned to the eleven against Bournemouth after Ghana’s elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations. Lucas Paqueta remains unavailable, though.
Expected Line-ups
Manchester United: Onana; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Mainoo, Casemiro; Rashford, Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund
West Ham United: Areola; Johnson, Zouma, Mavropanos, Emerson; Phillips, Alvarez, Soucek; Ward-Prowse, Kudus; Bowen
What they Said
Erik ten Hag said he had ‘mixed feelings’ in the aftermath of their victory against Wolves on Thursday evening. “One side, very pleased. Of course it’s a massive win and I think for a neutral fan, a spectator of this game, it was great to see.”
Gary O’Neil discussed being unable to sign a striker before the deadline, saying “we could afford some, but not ones that I thought would help us. The group is the group and we get to work on trying to maximise it.”
When and How to Watch
This match will be played at Old Trafford at 14:00 on Sunday February 4th. It will be shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and can also be streamed via the Sky Go app.
Prediction
Manchester United, as mentioned, have won just one game in the Premier League in convincing fashion this season. The Red Devils have struggled across all competitions and needed yet another stoppage-time winner in midweek, despite a genuinely impressive and improved performance. West Ham United will go to Old Trafford knowing they have the weapons to hurt United and, as a result, both teams scoring would seem quite likely for this one.
