West Ham vs Manchester United
Date: 22/09/2019
K/O: 14:00
Venue: London Stadium
Referee: Anthony Taylor
West Ham return to the London Stadium with an aim of returning to winning ways, following a draw away at Villa Park. However, they will face a rejuvenated Man United side, fresh off the back of victory against Astana in the Europa League and from last weekend against Leicester City.
For West Ham fans, it is a repeat of the famous fixture they left the Boleyn ground with following a fantastic 3-2 victory in the dying minutes. These are different times though for both teams.
West Ham, without the spark of Dimitri Payet, are looking to find the form that did so well for them in that final season, and Manchester United will be looking to secure their place back in the Champions League following an even more disappointing last few seasons.
A big advantage for West Ham could be the fact that the Red Devils will be playing off the back of a tough Thursday night game in the Europa League, allowing the Hammers to get in that extra needed rest compared to the comparatively shorter period of time Man United will have had to rest.
Manuel Pellegrini will also have the incentive of defeating a former rival, with the ex-man City man adamant that to break into the European sphere, West Ham must begin to make netter use of the games against the Premier League’s elite sides.
It is also a massive game for United. The opportunity to build some much-needed momentum has given Ole Gunner Solskjaer an early crossroads in the club’s season, with a win bordering on the realms of necessity if his side are to both mount and maintain a push for European qualification.
Team News
Arthur Masuaku is suspended for West Ham following his red card away at Aston Villa on Monday night.
For United, Pogba, Martial and James all face late fitness tests, with it being unlikely that any of them will return in time for the game. Luke Shaw remains out, which could be a big loss for Manchester United, with Ashley Young likely to step in at left-back.
Key Battle
Haller v Maguire
Both players are extremely physical and it will be interesting to see who comes out on top. If Haller wins the battle then the Red Devils are in trouble, with the poacher likely to cause a few issues for the red half of Manchester.
If Maguire can come out on top, then not only will it help United win the game, it will also act as a massive confidence booster for the rest of the season, a much-needed yet unfamiliar feeling around Old Trafford.
Predicted Starting XIs
West Ham United (4-2-3-1): Fabianski; Fredericks, Diop, Ogbonna, Creswell; Noble, Rice; Yarmolenko, Lanzini, Anderson; Haller.
Manchester United (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Young; Matic, McTominay; Pereira, Mata, James; Rashford.
Prediction: West Ham 2-2 Manchester United
I think Man United’s defensive fragility’s will show with all of the injury troubles, however, the likes of Marcus Rashford could cause trouble on the break to the Hammers.
