Manchester United host West Ham United in what will be a crucial game for both sides. The two sides, Manchester United and West Ham, have not played each other this season, so it will be interesting to see how both sides match up.
Manchester United sits sixth in the table, whereas West Ham is tenth, having played a game more than Manchester United. Manchester United need a win, as they have already dropped a significant number of points this season.
Manchester United and West Ham Both Have Underperformed
Manchester United or West Ham have not started the season well. West Ham has played six away games this season, losing four times, drawing twice, and winning once. The numbers show that West Ham struggled on the road. Remarkably, they have only conceded six goals in the six away games. The Red Devils lacked a clinical edge in a recent 0-0 draw against Newcastle and lost their first two games against lesser opposition in Brighton and Brentford.
Recent Form
The most recent Premier League fixture for Manchester United ended in a 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Coming into the game, Ronaldo was a huge talking point because Erik Ten Hag dropped him from the squad to face Chelsea after the latter refused to come on as a substitute in the 2-0 win versus Spurs last week, another installment in the ongoing battle between the duo.
On the other hand, the most recent Premier League fixture for Hammers ended in a 2-0 win at home to Bournemouth. Kurt Zouma scored a crucial goal before halftime. Further, a controversial penalty from Benrahma in added time sealed the deal for West Ham.
Team News for Manchester United and West Ham
Raphael Varane will miss the game due to the injury sustained against Chelsea. Aaron Wan Bissaka and Martial are coming back from injuries. Martial is more likely to start as he is more match-fit. However, both are unlikely to start as they get up to speed.
Harry Maguire could partner Martinez after he came off the bench in midweek. On the other hand, Lucas Paqueta is unlikely to play for West Ham after a recent injury he sustained against Southampton. Flynn Downes could come in as an adequate replacement for the Brazilian. Craig Dawson may not start due to a dead leg.
As a result, Thilo Kehrer and Kurt Zouma may start.
Manchester United’s potential starting lineup:
David De Gea, Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Casemiro, Fred, Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford.
West Ham’s potential starting lineup:
Lukasz Fabianski, Ben Johnson, Kurt Zouma, Timo Kehrer, Cresswell, Tomas Soucek, Declan Rice; Jarrod Bowen, Flynn Downes, Said Benrahma, Gianluca Scamacca.
Prediction
It is hard to predict how the encounter could unfold. Manchester United has been inconsistent. West Ham has only won one away game in the league this season. However, they are hard to break down, conceding six goals in their away games despite losing four times. The Red Devils struggle to break teams down, and West Ham will not be any different.
A draw, although underwhelming, maybe a favorable result. Regardless, It will be interesting to see how it plays out.
Important Match Information
Teams: Man Utd versus West Ham, Stadium: Old Trafford, Competition: Premier League, Date: Sunday 30th October, Channel: Sky Sports