Image from MUFCLatest |
Team News:
The team news from the latest reports suggests that United will be short on defenders with Axel Tuanzebe, Eric Bailly, Luke Shaw, and Phil Jones missing from their ranks. Eric Bailly and Luke Shaw are expected to come back soon, but unfortunately enough for United, they won’t be available for the clash against the Hammers. On the other hand, West Ham will miss the services of Robert Snodgrass and Ryan Fredericks.
This leaves Brandon Williams as the only starter at left back position, and it’ll be interesting to see how young winger handles the clutch game. Other than that, Manchester United are expected to put their best squad on the field and grab the chance for Champions League spot while they can. The only concern with the squad is fatigue as they’ve been playing back to back matches, and this will be their 4th game within 9 days, raising obvious concerns.
Manchester United’s PL form: WWWDW
Manchester United’s form (all competitions): WWDWL
Chelsea’s PL form: LWWLW
Chelsea’s form (all competitions): WWLWW
Interesting Facts:
- The Hammers haven’t managed to beat the Red Devils at Old Trafford since May 2007. But they’ve also won the two of their last three games against Manchester United. Last time it took them 19 games to get two wins.
- Manchester United faced a defeat of 0-2 against Cardiff City last season in their final home game. The last time Manchester United lost their final home game for two consecutive seasons happened in 1972-73 and 1973-74. The history we love, the records we don’t.
- If David De Gea manages to squeeze a clean sheet in this game, it’ll take his tally to 112 sheets, most of any Manchester United goalkeeper. Currently, his record stands equal to Peter Schmeichel. Worthy of Hall of Fame?
- Manchester United have taken 97 shots on goal since the restart, of which 39% have been taken or created by Bruno Fernandes. Man to watch?
Predicted Lineup: de Gea, Wan Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Williams, Matic, Pogba, Greenwood, Fernandes, Rashford, Martial
Predicted Score:
From the moment teams come out of the tunnel, it’s going to be tough, and it’s going to be rough. The Hammers have recently won against Chelsea, they also beat us in the reverse fixture that ended in a 2-0 defeat at the London Stadium. They have shocked us from time to time, and with our star man Fernandes playing without any rest, it can turn out to be a long night at the Theatre of Dreams. But keeping in mind the importance this result has for us, I think we’ll somehow manage to score more than West Ham United. We have to, for this is where the conclusion to season-long battle awaits.
Prediction: Manchester United 3 – 1 West Ham