Prediction: Both Teams To Score and Manchester United to Win
Odds: 8/5
Bookmaker: Betfair
Manchester United will be hoping to take a significant step towards the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday in their final home game of the Premier League season against West Ham United.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Red Devils have the opportunity to claim fourth spot with just a draw ahead of their crunch clash with Leicester City on the final day. Meanwhile, whilst it is still mathematically possible for David Moyes’ Hammers to be relegated, it is highly unlikely considering they are six points clear of the drop zone with a superior goal difference. They then will be keen to lay down a marker ahead of next season.
Manchester United
The final two matches of the season really could define the Red Devils’ season. Having been eliminated from the FA Cup at the semi-final stage by Chelsea at the weekend, Solskjaer’s troops only realistically have the Europa League to aim for in the context of silverware. Away from that, a place in the Premier League top-four come the end of the campaign could represent a positive season. In early February, United were sitting seventh having lost three out of their four matches since the turn of the year. Since then though, they have been in inspired form, undefeated in their last 12 Premier League matches. Now all they need to do is just avoid defeat in each of their final two games of the season and they will secure a place in the UEFA Champions League at Leicester City’s expense. The omens coming into their clash with West Ham United are extremely positive as well having only lost two league matches at Old Trafford all season.
Team News
Solskjaer again has considerable worries in defence ahead of their latest match. Eric Bailly suffered what was a sickening head injury at Wembley at the weekend, eventually being stretchered off. He looks set to be ruled out for the match but should return in time for the concluding game of the season. Meanwhile, skipper Harry Maguire, who collided with Bailly suffered a cut on his head too but should be fine. Left-back Luke Shaw is still a doubt having missed the FA Cup semi-final with an ankle injury and looks like joining long-term absentees Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe on the sidelines.
West Ham United
After a run of three victories, one draw and one defeat in July, West Ham really have soared to potential Premier League safety. In what has been in contrast to their showings throughout the majority of the 2019/20 campaign, the goals have certainly been flowing for the Hammers. They managed to notch three against Chelsea, score two in the draw with Newcastle United, whilst plundering four and another three respectively against Norwich City and Watford. All of that means that David Moyes’ men just need a solitary point in their final two matches to guarantee their position in the league ahead of next season – even then, they might not even need that considering their points total and their goal difference. There are a few worrying signs though as they travel to Old Trafford. The Hammers have only won three Premier League away matches all season against Southampton, Norwich City and Chelsea. Even more damning, ex-United boss Moyes has never managed to beat his former employers away from home in the Premier League with any of his clubs.
Team News
The Hammers do not actually have too many injury worries as they prepare to travel to Old Trafford. Defender Ryan Fredericks is a slight doubt (calf) and will be monitored ahead of the game. Meanwhile, Robert Snodgrass has returned to training but is unlikely to be fit in time. Forward Michail Antonio is sure to be included once again having plundered seven Premier League goals since the restart including four in the Hammers previous away game.
Key Facts To Consider
- Manchester United have the far better record between the two teams (W66, D31, L45)
- The Hammers won the reverse game this season 2-0
- West Ham have not won at Old Trafford in the Premier League since their infamous 1-0 win back in 2007
- The away side has only won one out of the last 11 editions of this match in the Premier League
- Should they avoid defeat, Manchester United will secure their longest unbeaten league run for over three years
Conclusion
The omens are not kind to West Ham as they travel to West Ham despite the positive run of form in recent weeks. Manchester United will want to react to their FA Cup defeat and really put a marker down in the race for the UEFA Champions League. Their attack should prove too much for the Hammers, who will fall to a spirited defeat.
Prediction: Both Teams To Score and Manchester United to Win
Odds: 8/5
Bookmaker: Betfair
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