West Ham comes off a tough 4-1 loss to rivals Tottenham, while United had a close 2-1 win over Brentford and held on for a 1-1 draw against Fenerbahce in the Europa League. Thursday’s game saw Ten Hag keep his cool in a heated match with former United manager Jose Mourinho, with goals from Christian Eriksen and Youssef En-Nesyri.
United fans will admit they were fortunate to secure a point, thanks to several crucial saves from Andre Onana and a bit of sideline drama as Fenerbahce’s manager was sent off after a penalty claim.
In their last league game, United turned things around with late goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund after Brentford took an early lead, clinching a rare win in what’s otherwise been a rocky seven-game stretch. United still sits in a lackluster 12th place, six points away from the top four, though they’re unbeaten in their last five away games, with clean sheets in their last three league matches against Southampton, Aston Villa, and Crystal Palace.
West Ham, however, is looking to break a streak of seven games without a clean sheet. Things started strong last weekend when Mohammed Kudus put them ahead, but a rough finish saw him sent off and Spurs scoring four. West Ham’s season has been mixed, with their recent loss dropping them to 15th, though a win could push them past United on goal difference.
Despite having a better scoring record than United (11 goals to seven), West Ham hasn’t kept a Premier League clean sheet at home since January, but they can look to last season’s 2-0 win over United at the London Stadium for encouragement.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Man United captain Bruno Fernandes is back and eager to make an impact after sitting out the Fenerbahce game due to a Europa League suspension. In his absence, Ten Hag surprised fans by starting Noussair Mazraoui in an unusual number 10 role, but Mazraoui is expected to return to his usual defensive duties this weekend. Ten Hag is hopeful that Jonny Evans will shake off a minor knock, though Antony is now questionable after picking up an injury on Thursday.Several others, including Kobbie Mainoo (thigh), Leny Yoro (ankle), Harry Maguire (calf), Luke Shaw (calf), Tyrell Malacia (knee), and Mason Mount (knock), remain unavailable for United. Although Fernandes is back, he’s yet to score against West Ham in his 12 attempts.
For West Ham, Mohammed Kudus is beginning a three-game suspension after his red card against Tottenham, ruling him out against Nottingham Forest and Everton as well. Kudus’s unpredictability up front will be missed, but Lopetegui can take some comfort in West Ham’s unbeaten run in the five Premier League games played without him since his arrival.
Crysencio Summerville is likely to step in for Kudus, and injury-wise, the only absentee should be summer signing Niclas Fullkrug, who’s sidelined with a sore calf. After last weekend's tough loss, we might also see Edson Alvarez replace Guido Rodriguez as the deepest midfielder.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
West Ham United possible starting lineup:Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Kilman, Emerson; Alvarez; Bowen, Paqueta, Soucek, Summerville; Antonio
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Evans, Martinez; Eriksen, Casemiro; Rashford, Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund
EXPERT PREDICTION
West Ham 2-1 Manchester United
Despite their own struggles, Man United has found a way to tighten up defensively on the road and can count on their individual talent to find a breakthrough. They may just manage to scrape by with another close win, giving Ten Hag a bit more breathing room.
