Preview: Form teams West Ham and Man United meet in London
West Ham and Manchester United go head-to-head at the London Stadium on Tuesday evening, surprisingly as two of the most in-form sides in the Premier League.
By Matt Smith
That’s undoubtedly something both sets of supporters might not have expected to happen just a few weeks ago, but they’ve turned things around of late.
When these two sides met earlier in the season, West Ham secured a late equaliser to draw 1-1 thanks to a late Soungoutou Magassa equaliser.
Team news
Nuno Espírito Santo will be without Jean-Clair Todibo once again, after he remains suspended following his red card against Chelsea. Lukasz Fabianski will also miss out, while the West Ham boss confirmed he will be without multiple other players, but he refused to name them in his press conference.
Patrick Dorgu, Matthijs De Ligt, and Mason Mount are all likely to miss out once again for the away side, but Michael Carrick didn’t report any fresh injury concerns heading into this game.
Nuno has West Ham ticking
To be sat in fourth position in the Premier League form table when you’re fighting to stay in the division is a hugely positive sign for the Hammers. At one point, Nuno’s side looked down and out, but he’s starting to get a tune out of his players at an important time.
Unfortunately for them, they face the most in-form side in the Premier League at the weekend. Despite their recent results, West Ham have struggled at home of late, with only Crystal Palace and Burnley picking up fewer points on their own turf in the last six matches.
Man Utd benefiting from Carrick alteration
Since Michael Carrick arrived through the door, the Red Devils have won every single game, and one big change the former Middlesbrough boss has made is to deploy Bruno Fernandes in his preferred number 10 position. The Portuguese international was enjoying an impressive season before that, but he’s stood up to be counted recently.
Fernandes has provided five goals and assists under Carrick, including crucial contributions against Premier League title-chasers Manchester City and Arsenal. The United squad appear to be enjoying themselves under Carrick, and they’ll be hoping that will continue this week.
Summerville in unstoppable form
Although Fernandes’ impact has been sensational this season, Crysencio Summerville could be the player to watch in this game. The Hammers have seen a recent upturn in form, and Summervile has played a crucial role in that.
The former Leeds man has now scored in five consecutive games, despite failing to find the back of the net all season before that. The Hammers will likely rely on transitional moments, and Summerville could be key.
Prediction
Both sides are in strong form heading in to this one, and although Carrick’s men have looked the more impressive, their run has to come to an end at some point. We’re going for a 1-1 draw at the London Stadium.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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