The State of Play
Manchester United head to West Ham tomorrow hoping to score their first goal in four games. Erik ten Hag’s side defended resolutely in last Sunday’s goalless draw at Liverpool but their lack of attacking threat was demonstrated once again.
Despite being on the back foot for long periods they did create arguably the chance of the match when Rasmus Hojlund shot straight at Alisson in the second half. The young Dane has yet to score in the Premier League although he could be given more ammunition tomorrow with Bruno Fernandes back from suspension and Christian Eriksen available again after injury.
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West Ham go into the game on the back of a 5-1 mauling at Liverpool in the EFL Cup. The aftermath has seen more questions surrounding the future of David Moyes even though the Hammers sit ninth in the Premier League, just a point and two places below United.
Moyes has spent almost four years in east London, and his contract expires at the end of the season. His playing style – West Ham rarely have more possession than their opponents – frustrates elements of the fanbase and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him move on in the summer.
Team News
Moyes has been fortunate in recent times with one of the shorter injury lists in the Premier League. In fact, he has only one confirmed absentee for this weekend with Michail Antonio still suffering from a hamstring issue. Both Nayef Ageurd and Maxwel Cornet are doubts for this weekend with illness.
As one Portuguese international returns from suspension with captain Bruno Fernandes back available, another will be absent with Diogo Dalot serving a one-match ban for his late red card against Liverpool.
Christian Eriksen may return for Erik ten Hag’s men but the visitors remain without several key players for this one such as Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof and Casemiro.
Expected Line-ups
West Ham: Fabianski; Coufal, Zouma, Kehrer, Emerson; Soucek, Alvarez; Kudus, Ward-Prowse, Paqueta; Bowen
Manchester United: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Evans, Varane, Shaw; McTominay, Eriksen; Antony, Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund
What they Said
Moyes on West Ham’s aims
“We’re fighting hard to stick around the position we’re in, we want to get European football for a fourth straight season. Our home form will be important to that and we want to get a result on Saturday.”
Ten Hag on having a midweek off
“First of all, we had such a busy programme. The lads had some days off ahead of another busy week. They needed the rest physically, to get away from football, mentally. We can go in the week, a great opportunity for us.”
When and How to Watch
The game at the London Stadium will kick off at 12:30 on Saturday and will be shown live on TNT Sports.
‘We have some doubts; we have some illnesses during the week, so we have to see who is available for tomorrow,’ said Ten Hag. ‘Hopefully, they are recovered, but we have to see.’
‘[Martinez and Casemiro] are not available before Christmas. Mid-January, we…
— Ben Dinnery (@BenDinnery) December 22, 2023
Prediction
The hosts will leapfrog their opponents in the Premier League table with a victory and they will be very confident of doing so. United have shown major frailties against every team they have played this season and heading down to London to face a team with genuine quality all over the pitch means they are likely to struggle again.
Expecting a West Ham victory against Manchester United, especially with their home advantage, is no longer a long shot and appears fairly likely.
