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Erik ten Hag's squad claimed a thrilling 4-3 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers midweek, contrasting with West Ham's more subdued 1-1 draw against Bournemouth.
Manchester United's match against Wolves started according to plan with Marcus Rashford quickly scoring, but the game took unexpected turns, culminating in a dramatic late winner from Kobbie Mainoo.
Despite Mainoo's heroics, Manchester United's defensive frailties were evident, as they became only the second Premier League team this season to concede 50 goals across all competitions, alongside Sheffield United. However, their recent form has shown resilience, with three wins and a draw in their last four games.
Meanwhile, West Ham's draw against Bournemouth was overshadowed by transfer drama involving Kalvin Phillips and failed moves for Said Benrahma and Pablo Fornals. Despite this distraction, West Ham remains in sixth place, one point ahead of Manchester United, albeit without a win in their last five matches across all competitions.
The Irons' recent form includes a notable 2-0 victory over Manchester United in December, but their past three league visits to Old Trafford have ended in 1-0 defeats.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
In the action-packed game against Wolves, Lisandro Martinez made his first Premier League start since September, but concerns arose about his availability for Sunday's match after he was seen receiving treatment on the sidelines towards the end of the game.Coach Ten Hag downplayed his substitution as a precaution, but the team is already coping without Anthony Martial, Mason Mount, and Tyrell Malacia due to various injuries. However, Mount and Malacia are progressing well in their recovery on the training grounds.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is unlikely to feature due to a leg issue, but Victor Lindelof has a better chance of making the squad, along with Sofyan Amrabat, following Morocco's elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations.
For West Ham, manager Moyes hadn't yet assessed the players who started Thursday's game by Friday's press conference. However, he confirmed that Michail Antonio is still out with a knee injury, and Lucas Paqueta is also struggling with a calf problem.
Additionally, Said Benrahma is serving the last game of his three-match suspension, while Vladimir Coufal returns from suspension.
There's a possibility of Nayef Aguerd returning for West Ham due to similar circumstances as Amrabat. Despite Kalvin Phillips's recent mistake, Moyes might consider dropping him due to the quick turnaround between games and his lack of recent action.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Manchester United possible starting lineup:Onana; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Mainoo, McTominay; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund
West Ham United possible starting lineup:
Areola; Coufal, Aguerd, Zouma, Emerson; Soucek, Alvarez; Kudus, Ward-Prowse, Cornet; Bowen
EXPERT PREDICTION
Manchester United 1-1 West Ham
Both teams are neck and neck in the Premier League table, suggesting a closely contested match. It wouldn't be surprising if the final whistle blows with the scoreline reflecting a shared four goals in an entertaining draw.
