MX23RW : Friday, April 25 23:14:51| >> :120:11022:11022:

Preview: West Ham United vs. Manchester United

Sports Mole previews the Premier League clash between West Ham and Man United at Upton Park as the Red Devils look to build on their morale-boosting win in Europe.

David Moyes's Manchester United reign enjoyed undoubtedly its best result yet in midweek.

Robin van Persie scored a hat-trick as the Red Devils completed an unlikely Champions League last-16 comeback by beating Olympiacos 3-0 at Old Trafford.

Winning the competition remains United's best outside chance of securing a seat at Europe's top table for next season, with a 12-point gap still separating them and the Premier League's top four.

Their attentions will turn back to domestic action this weekend, though, when they visit West Ham United looking to build some more momentum ahead of their derby with Manchester City on Tuesday.

Victory against their local rivals would help the English champions regain some of the pride that has been lost from their hugely disappointing season and put a dent in City's title ambitions in the process.

West Ham are first up, though, and looking to bounce back from two straight defeats which have abruptly brought to and end a four-match winning streak which took them clear of the relegation zone.

Sam Allardyce's side are currently six points above water and have record signing Andy Carroll, who scored in the 3-1 loss to Stoke City, available again following injury and suspension.

He is likely to lead the Hammers' line at Upton Park, with Winston Reid maintained in defence after returning from a two-month ankle layoff. Matt Taylor and Matt Jarvis are in contention for recalls.

Moyes could stick with Danny Welbeck following the England international forward's impressive display against Olympiacos, while Van Persie and Wayne Rooney are certain to be picked once again.

That could mean there is no place for £37m January signing Juan Mata or teenager prodigy Adnan Januzaj, but there will be changes in midfield with Ryan Giggs unlikely to play two games in a week.

Marouane Fellaini should be restored in the centre of the park, while Rio Ferdinand and Phil Jones continue in defence, with Nemanja Vidic suspended and Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling injury doubts.

Recent form

West Ham: LLWWWW

Man United: WLWLWL

Possible starting lineups

West Ham: Adrian; Demel, Tomkins, Reid, McCartney; Jarvis, Noble, Diame, Downing; Noble, Carroll

Man United: De Gea; Rafael, Ferdinand, Jones, Evra; Valencia, Carrick, Fellaini; Welbeck; Rooney, Van Persie

Sports Mole says: 1-2


ID:145329: cacheID:145329:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:5845:
Written by
Joe Fish
No Data Analysis info

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Restore Data
Share this article now:
Rio Ferdinand of Manchester United controls the ball during the match between the A-League All-Stars and Manchester United on July 20, 2013
Read Next:
Team News: Ferdinand, Giggs start for Man Utd
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool33247275314479
2Arsenal341813363293467
3Manchester CityMan City34187966432361
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest33186953391460
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle331851062441859
6Chelsea33169858401857
7Aston Villa3416995449557
8Bournemouth3313101052401249
9Fulham33139114845348
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton33121295353048
11Brentford33137135650646
12Crystal Palace341112114347-445
13Everton33814113440-638
14Manchester UnitedMan Utd33108153846-838
15Wolverhampton WanderersWolves33115174861-1338
16Tottenham HotspurSpurs331141861511037
17West Ham UnitedWest Ham3399153755-1836
18Ipswich TownIpswich3349203371-3821
19Leicester CityLeicester3346232773-4618
20Southampton3325262478-5411


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!