Manchester United vs West Ham: Crucial match for a place in top-4

The previous meeting at Old Trafford ended in a 1-0 triumph for the visitors from London. Will Man United avenge that defeat, or will they move further to the bottom of the table?

Man United form

Man United's performance is still uneven, and they're playing even worse. Last weekend, the Red Devils had their second match in a week against Aston Villa. The first meeting in the FA Cup ended in a 1-0 win for United with bounce-back notes. The game in Birmingham was also difficult for MU, but they were able to make a 2-0 run and lose that lead. The evil genius came from former Scouser Philippe Coutinho, who set up the final score of 2-2. And on this one, Ralf Rangnick's players made work of their mistakes with a 3-1 victory over Brentford. Nevertheless, Man United do not impress with the game, especially in defence, with David de Gea constantly cleaning up after defenders. Rangnick's designs aren't working and it looks like he won't stay at the club that long. Cristiano Ronaldo is already contemplating a change of club.

West Ham form

West Ham is staying in the top 4 thanks to the fact that their direct rivals have played 2-3 fewer games than the team from East London. Last weekend, the Hammers lost at home to Leeds, 2-3. A week earlier, the Londoners confidently defeated the Peacocks in the FA Cup, 2-0. David Moyes practically did not make changes to the squad, unlike Marcelo Bielsa, who changed half of the squad. Thus, West Ham are the seventh team in terms of points lost. In other words, should MU win this encounter, the Hammers will drop out of the top 4.

Injuries and suspensions

• Man United: Pogba, Martial, Bailly, Cavani (questionable), Shaw (questionable), Lingard (questionable);
• West Ham: Ogbonna, Soucek, Benrahma, Zouma (questionable).

Head-to-head encounters

Man United and West Ham have met 147 times. The advantage is on the side of the Red Devils, 69-46. They have met twice this season. The first leg match in London ended in a dramatic and emotional 2-1 victory for United. Jesse Lingard scored the winning goal on minute 89. 95th minute was dramatic — Mark Noble, who took the field to convert the penalty, missed the spot kick. David de Gea saved the penalty for the first time since 2016. However, three days later, West Ham thrashed MU at Old Trafford in the English League Cup, 1-0.

Key stats

• The last 4 matches at Old Trafford saw Total Under 2.5 goals scored;
• West Ham scored at least 2 goals in the last 5 games of the championship.

Expert Betting Tips

The game promises to be high-scoring, as MU cannot defend and West Ham doesn't even try to. That is why we recommend betting on BTTS+TO (2.5) for 1.90 from Bet365. Also, we believe that the powerhouse West Ham will serve more corners than the hosts, as the control of the game will be at the feet of the guests, because the Devils' chemistry leaves much to be desired. 1xbet gives odds of 2.655 for this betting option.

Finally, we suggest betting on the goal by Cristiano Ronaldo, who should have been encouraged by the substitution in the 70th minute in the match against Brentford. Moreover, he hit the goal of the Hammers in the first round. Betway gives odds of 2.06 for the goal of the living legend.