West Ham United vs Manchester United
Date: 19/09/2021
K/O: 14:00
Venue: The London Staduim
TV: Sky Sports
The Hammers host The Red Devil’s on Sunday afternoon as Man United look to continue their unbeaten start to the league.
Last time out Man United ran riot against The Magpies winning 4-1. Ronaldo stole the show on his second debut for the club as he helped himself to two goals in front of an ecstatic crowd. With the atmosphere electric, Bruno Fernandes and Jesse Lingard later added a goal each, rounding off a ruthless display in the theatre of dreams.
West Ham had a quieter game last weekend, drawing 0-0 against Southampton in a stalemate. The headline was written by Antonio, who was sent off in the 95 minute, meaning the Hammers are now without a striker against Man United this weekend.
The midweek loss to Young Boys in the Champions League will have inevitably dampened the mood for United fans. United had an early lead, but were pegged back twice and are now bottom of their group.
West Ham were more successful on their European ventures, winning 2-0 against Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League – a confidence boost ahead of this Sunday clash.
Without Antonio in the squad, the goal-scoring responsibility will fall to Benrahma, who started the season in fantastic form. In the opening two games he managed two goals and two assists, but in his previous three games, he has no contributions.
Once again the spotlight will be on Ronaldo. Having only played two games already, the Portuguese striker has three goals and doesn’t look like stopping soon. His colleagues Fernandes, Sancho and Greenwood will also be keen to get on the scoresheet, so it could be another bombardment of goals if the Hammers are not careful.
Team News
West Ham
David Moyes will be delighted with the fitness of his side so far this season, with no injuries influencing his squad selection.
The only absentee will be Michail Antonio, following his red card last week. The league’s top goal scorer will return next week following a one-game suspension.
Manchester United
The Red Devil’s will be without Scott McTominay, Marcus Rashford and Cavani for the trip to London. This will means Ole could lineup very similarly to last weeks thrashing
Predicted Starting XIs
West Ham (4-2-3-1): Fabianski; Coufal, Zouma, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Soucek, Rice; Bowen, Fornals, Benrahma; Yarmolenko
Manchester United (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Maguire, Shaw; Fred, Pogba; Sancho, Fernandes, Martial; Mason Greenwood
Predicted scoreline: West Ham 1-2 Manchester United
I think The Hammers will make this a really tough contest and the home support will go a long way. It will be a tough ask keeping the United forwards quite all game, so in this case, attack could be the best form of defence. It will certainly be a fascinating contest in the capital.
