Preview: Manchester United seek revenge against the Hammers

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 23: David Moyes, Manager of West Ham United speaks with Erik ten Hag, Manager of Manchester United during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester United at London Stadium on December 23, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

West Ham visit Old Trafford on Sunday looking for their first Premier League double over Manchester United in 17 years.

Erik ten Hag’s side came out on top in a 4-3 win over Wolves on Thursday, while West Ham and Bournemouth played out a 1-1 draw.

The Irons have now drawn their last three league matches.

With key players returning from spells out injured, I think we can expect the level of United’s performances to improve in the coming weeks. There is no more room for excuses and the players need to pull up their socks if they wish to be playing Champions League football next season.

West Ham go into Sunday’s game one place and one point better off than the Reds in sixth spot, despite failing to win any of their last five matches across all competitions. That is worth remember when you check out the football bookmakers for the latest odds.

It is worth remembering that United are undefeated in 20 of their last 21 home matches against West Ham across all competitions. Furthermore, United have seen under 2.5 goals in 5 of their last 6 matches versus the Hammers.

Team News

The seven-goal thriller with West Ham on Thursday night was Lisandro Martinez’s first Premier League start since aggravating a foot injury in September, and he performed strongly with an important clearance on his line. Then every United fan was left concerned about his availability on Sunday after he was seen with strapping on his left foot after being replaced by Harry Maguire.

However, Ten Hag told reporters the substitution was precautionary and the Argentine should be fit and ready to take on West Ham on Sunday.

United will be without four players this week, including Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Anthony Martial, Mason Mount and Tyrell Malacia.

Victor Lindelof could be fit enough to return to the matchday squad and Sofyan Amrabat has returned from AFCON.

As for the Hammers, Moyes kept his cards close to his chest at Friday’s pre-match press conference. The Scotsman did confirm that Michail Antonio has yet to return to training due to a knee injury. The same applies to Lucas Paqueta, who is ruled out with a calf problem.

West Ham will welcome back Vladimir Coufal into his preferred full-back role.

Manchester United predicted XI: Onana; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo, Fernandes; Garnacho, Hojlund, Rashford,.

West Ham predicted XI: Areola, Coufal, Mavropanos, Zouma, Emerson; Phillips, Soucek, Alvarez; Kudus, Ward-Prowse; Bowen.

Let us know your scoreline predictions in the comment section.

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