Man Utd v West Ham – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Man Utd host West Ham on Sunday in the English Premier League. The hosts have won three of their last five home league matches. At Old Trafford, the Red Devils have won 1-0 on the last three occasions they’ve hosted West Ham in the league.

Man Utd Form

United played out a thrilling 4-3 win at Molineux on Thursday. They led 3-1 before conceding twice and then netting a last-gasp winner to take all three points. It was just their 11th win in 26 matches across all competitions.

After losing 2-0 at West Ham in an abject display, they fought for the manager in a 3-2 home win against Aston Villa from 2-0 down. In typical fashion, they went to Nottingham Forest and lost 2-1 after that. United won 2-0 at Wigan and 4-2 at Newport Town in the FA Cup with a 2-2 home draw vs Tottenham sandwiched by those cup wins.

Man Utd Team News

Erik Ten Hag is without three players for this match and another three are doubtful. Mason Mount, Anthony Martial, and Tyrell Malacia will play no part here.

Sofyan Amrabat is back from AFCON duty and could be on the bench. Victor Lindelof and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are touch-an-go but are unlikely to have started anyway.

Man Utd Motivation

United have shown commitment and desire in their last matches at Old Trafford and need the same here.

They are likely to have loads of the ball and nothing less than a win will do to get their league season properly back on track.

West Ham Form

The Hammers are winless in five matches now having been on a top run before: nine wins in 12 matches in all competitions. They beat Man Utd 2-0 at home and then won 2-0 at Arsenal to look like possible top-four contenders. They’ve drawn four of their last five matches and exited the FA Cup.

A 0-0 home draw vs Brighton preceded a 1-1 FA Cup draw at home with Bristol City. West Ham lost 1-0 away in the replay. Their last two league matches have been draws, a 2-2 at Sheffield United and a 1-1 home point against Bournemouth. They conceded in the last minute against the Blades.

West Ham Team News

David Moyes is without Michail Antonio in attack due to injury. Lucas Paqueta will also play no part due to a calf problem whilst Said Benrahma is suspended.

Vladimir Coufal returns from suspension in defence and Nayef Aguerd is back from AFCON duty. Kalvin Phillips could start again in midfield with James Ward-Prowse playing a more advanced role.

West Ham Motivation

The squad is stretched right now without three attacking options. Expect Moyes to again play four central midfielders and to keep it very tight.

It would not be a shock to see just 30% possession and a full focus on releasing Kudus and Bowen on the break. A point would be a good result here.

Key Stats

Man Utd have won 3 of their last 5 league matches at Old Trafford

Man Utd have scored 2+ goals in 5 of their last 6 matches (16 scored in total)

Man Utd have won 1-0 in their last 3 home EPL clashes vs West Ham

West Ham have won 3 of their last 5 away EPL matches

West Ham are winless in 5 matches (4 draws) in all competitions

Verdict

West Ham’s injuries are a big factor in this game. They don’t carry nearly as much attacking thrust right now and that means United are favoured to win a tight match.

Best Bet: Man Utd win at 1.68

Value Bet: Man Utd win to zero at 3.30

Correct Score Tip: Man Utd 1-0 West Ham at 9.25

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis