Premier League action kicks off again starting at Upton Park where the Hammers play host to top-of-the table Red Devils. Whilst the last visit of United to East London ended up in a 4-0 defeat knocking them out of the Carling Cup, many feel that this game will be a great chance for United to increase the chances of winning the Premier League title.
Scott Parker is doubtful for West Ham after picking up shoulder and calf knocks during the international break for England, but will be expected to start for what is a crucial game considering how close the bottom half of the table is.
However, Avram Grant’s team are 6th in the Premier League form table and have only lost 1 in their last 7 games at Upton Park. Although despite the victory over United in the Cup, the Hammers have suffered 5 defeats to Alex Ferguson’s side in their last 5 attempts without scoring a single goal.
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United will be without Jonny Evans and Paul Scholes (both suspended) and despite several players on the sidelines through injury, captain Nemanja Vidic returns in defence which will be a huge boost.
Considering the home side’s recent run of form, this game is tougher to call than the league table states. West Ham have scored 15 times in their last six games and they January signings have been a huge boost to their attacking play.
However, with Vidic returning to the United backline, even an in-form Hammers attack may struggle to hit the back of the net too many times in this game. West Ham will certainly put up a fight, and maybe scrape a draw but United win (probably in dying minutes) looks likely.
Prediction: West Ham 1-2 Manchester United
Watch Jason Cundy & Scott Minto on Scoreboard and see their pre-match predictions
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