Premier League Team News and Prediction: Man Utd vs West Ham
Manchester United's dip in form has seen their top four rivals gain ground on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side, with West Ham among those closing the gap on United. Indeed, a win for the Hammers tonight would see them move to within three points of United as West Ham maintain their push for Champions League football next season.
Ahead of tonight's game at Old Trafford, we have all the need-to-know pre-match information, including what time the game kicks off, where to watch the action, team news and probable XIs.
When is kick off?
Sunday 14th March, 19:15 GMT
Where is the match?
Old Trafford, Manchester
Where can I watch it?
Sky Sports Premier League / Sky Sports Main Event
Form Guide
Since earning a 1-0 win at Burnley to go top of the Premier League in early January, Manchester United's form has nosedived. Indeed, they have won just four of their last 11 and drawn six times in that run, which is why they now sit 17 points behind their rivals Manchester City at the top of the table, albeit with two games in hand. They didn't lose to Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal or City in that run, which is a bonus for United, but they are now just six points above fifth-placed West Ham ahead of tonight's clash.
Hammers boss David Moyes has worked wonders this season and the east London side have a genuine shot at Champions League football next term if they can maintain their good form. They currently sit three points behind Chelsea with two games in hand after a run of eight wins in their last 11 maintained their push for European action. They have failed to win their last two on the road and haven't beaten United at Old Trafford since Carlos Tevez bagged the only goal of the game on the final day of the 2006/07 season that saw West Ham beat the drop.
Team News
Out of nowhere, Manchester United are suddenly short on attacking options. Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford are serious doubts for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side, while Edinson Cavani is ruled out. Paul Pogba, Donny van de Beek, Juan Mata and Phil Jones join the Uruguayan on the sidelines and while David De Gea is back in Manchester, he is self-isolating following his return from Spain and may miss out today, and that should see Dean Henderson continue in goal. Amad Diallo, who scored his first goal for the club in midweek, could make his full debut tonight with injuries in the final third thrusting the youngster into Solskjaer's selection.
The big blow for West Ham is the absence of Jesse Lingard, who is ineligible to face his parent club. Andriy Yarmolenko, Arthur Masuaku and Angelo Ogbonna miss out due to injury. Lukasz Fabianski is available following a period on the sidelines after he returned for the 3-0 win over West Ham, which is just as well with number two Darren Randolph, along with Ryan Fredericks, both doubts.
Probable XIs
Manchester United (4231) - Henderson; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw; McTominay, Fred; Amad, Fernandes, James; Greenwood
West Ham (343) - Fabianski; Dawson, Diop, Cresswell; Coufal, Soucek, Rice, Johnson; Bowen, Antonio, Fornals
Key Battle: Scott McTominay vs Declan Rice
When fit, Scott McTominay is one of the first names on the Manchester United team sheet and it is easy to see why. The Scot is not only a natural ball winner for the Red Devils, but he is willing to get forward to support the attack where required, as evidenced in his four goals and one assist in a United shirt this season. All four have come in his last four league starts at Old Trafford, so West Ham need to be wary of his runs from deep tonight.
Declan Rice is the man tasked with ensuring McTominay's runs don't result in West Ham conceding. The England international has forged a fine midfield partnership with Tomas Soucek in the middle of the park for the Hammers and his solid outings in front of the defence have been a key factor in West Ham's rise to Champions League contenders.
Score Prediction: Manchester United 0-1 West Ham
