Two managers under growing pressure go head-to-head on Sunday afternoon as West Ham United host Manchester United in the Premier League.
Julen Lopetegui and Erik ten Hag are currently struggling in their respective dugouts as results and performances fail to inspire. The former has been unable to build on David Moyes’ stellar work, while the latter hasn’t managed to turn the tide after an underwhelming second season at the helm.
Man Utd’s defeat to Tottenham Hotspur several weeks ago felt like a new low for the Red Devils under Ten Hag. The fact that there are so many low points to choose from is deeply concerning but the Dutchman has steadied the ship slightly since Spurs’ visit. Three draws and a victory against Brentford last weekend have eased the suffering.
Just like Sunday’s opposition, West Ham have won just once in their last seven matches in all competition. The Irons have particularly struggled against the division’s traditional ‘big six’, conceding 15 times in four meetings with these lofty opponents this term. Lopetegui’s men imploded in last weekend’s 4-1 defeat to Spurs and will be desperate to avoid similar embarrassment on Sunday.
Here is 90min’s guide West Ham vs Man Utd on Sunday.
West Ham vs Man Utd H2H Record (Last Five Games)
Current form (all competitions)
|
West Ham |
Man Utd |
|---|---|
|
Tottenham 4-1 West Ham – 19/10/24 |
Fenerbahce 1-1 Man Utd – 24/10/24 |
|
West Ham 4-1 Ipswich – 05/10/24 |
Man Utd 2-1 Brentford – 19/10/24 |
|
Brentford 1-1 West Ham – 28/09/24 |
Aston Villa 0-0 Man Utd – 06/10/24 |
|
Liverpool 5-1 West Ham – 25/09/24 |
Porto 3-3 Man Utd – 03/10/24 |
|
West Ham 0-3 Chelsea – 21/09/24 |
Man Utd 0-3 Tottenham – 29/09/24 |
|
Country |
TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
|
United Kingdom |
Not televised, BBC Radio 5 Live (audio only) |
|
United States |
Peacock |
|
Canada |
fuboTV Canada, Fubo Sports Network 4 Canada |
Mohammed Kudus was rightfully sent off last weekend for lashing out at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and he serves the first match of a three-game suspension.
However, in terms of injuries, West Ham find themselves much fitter than their upcoming opponents, with summer signing Niclas Fullkrug the only absentee as he continues to battle with an Achilles injury.
Lopetegui is unlikely to make sweeping changes after last weekend’s defeat but there could be alterations in defence and midfield to help shore things up.
West Ham predicted lineup vs Man Utd (4-2-3-1): Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Kilman, Emerson; Soucek, Alvarez; Bowen, Paqueta, Summerville; Antonio.
Ten Hag has blamed injuries for Man Utd’s difficulties this season and the Dutchman certainly has a lengthy list of absentees unavailable for selection.
In defence, Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire and Tyrell Malacia are still out of action, while Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount are also unavailable in midfield. In the forward line, Antony is a fresh concern after he injured himself in the draw with Fenerbahce.
Jonny Evans should return to the squad after missing Thursday’s trip to Turkey and youngster Toby Collyer is also likely to be fit after a knock. Bruno Fernandes was serving a suspension against Fenerbahce in the Europa League but will captain Man Utd this weekend.
Man Utd predicted lineup vs West Ham (4-2-3-1): Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Casemiro, Eriksen; Rashford, Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund.
It’s difficult to know which versions of these two sides will turn up on Sunday afternoon. Both have shown glimpses of their quality in recent weeks but consistency is the issue when it comes to turning the corner for good.
West Ham won this exact fixture last season but have struggled against so-called ‘bigger’ teams. Their home record is actually worse than their away record, although Man Utd have struggled on their travels this term.
In all honesty, this really could go either way. West Ham could blow the Red Devils away or vice versa, but the safer bet is an entertaining score draw.
Prediction: West Ham 2-2 Man Utd
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