Manchester will try to end their recent horrible head-to-head run later tonight when they welcome West Ham. What makes this fixture particularly interesting is the fact that the visitors are currently fighting to stay out of the relegation zone.
Manchester United turned around their fate in the last round of the English Premier League (EPL) against Crystal Palace, after ending in a goal deficit by halftime to win 2-1. They are now within striking range of the top six and a win here today will send them to fifth place ahead of Crystal Palace.
The Reds who have now lost just one of their last seven games- 4 wins and 2 draws, and have a 17-match unbeaten home run in midweek in the EPL – 14 wins and 3 draws, including eight successive wins, are well placed to claim all three points here today. Notwithstanding, United, and especially Amorim will be on the lookout to avoid a repeat of the Everton fiasco, as a repeat here would make Amorim the fastest manager in United’s history to suffer ten home league defeats.
On the other hand, West Ham had a tough weekend on and off the pitch as news of the Club’s legend, Billy Bonds’ demise coupled by a devastating 2-0 lose to Liverpool filled them with sadness. The defeat ended their three-match unbeaten run, and they are currently out of the relegation area only by goal difference. They are expected to make a recovery soon rather than later if they are to guarantee an escape from the relegation zone, but this certainly looks unlikely against a United side who are currently building great momentum and have a stellar home record. Also, West Ham’s only away victory in the EPL after 2 draws and 3 defeats came against Nottingham Forest in the opening dugout.
Head-to-Head and Stats
The last PL meetings between the two sides has seen more games ending in West Ham’s favour – 4 wins and 1 lose, than in their prior 28 meetings in the competition – 3 wins, 6 draws and 19 loses. Also, they ended a 16-match winless league streak at this same fixture last season but are yet to win successive league visits since the 1934 campaign.
Stats: United have lost nine of their last 14 December league matches and none of their last home league fixture ended in a draw – 5 wins and 4 loses. Meanwhile, West Ham has scored first in a joint-league low of three matches so far this term and have only lost two of their last 13 Thursday PL games.
Possible Lineups, and Injuries
Manchester United: Lammens S. (G), Yoro, de Ligt, Shaw, Diallo, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dalot, Mbeumo, Cunha, Zirkzee.
West Ham: Areola A.(G), Todibo, Mavropanos, Igor, Wan-Bissaka, Magassa, Potts, Diouf, Bowen, Wilson, Fernandes.
Injuries:
United will be without Harry Maguire and Benjamin Šesko, but a hopeful of a Matheus Cunha return. Meanwhile West Ham will be without Lucas Paquetá who is on suspension, Fabianski and Scarlet are out on injuries, and they are doubtful Crysencio Summerville will be available for the game.
