Introduction
After a lengthy international break, Manchester United are back in action on Saturday lunchtime with a trip to the Boleyn Ground to play West Ham. The Hammers have a habit of de-railing United title challenges with damaging memories of 1992 and 1995 still fresh in the hearts of many fans. The atmosphere when these teams clash in London is always highly charged. Some would say this dates back to 1989 when Paul Ince was seen posing in a United shirt while still a West Ham player. The self styled "Guvnor" was never allowed to forget this "treachery" and had to suffer severe abuse whenever he returned to Upton Park. The home fans loathing then switched to David Beckham in the mid 1990's and the simmering resentment has always lingered.
United go into the game five points clear of nearest rivals Arsenal having played a game more with Chelsea hot in pursuit in third. Three points for the Reds would pile the pressure on their rivals who player later knowing another slip up could prove crucial.
Generally international breaks are seen as a curse by the management at Old Trafford but this one was seen as more of a blessing considering the Reds lengthy injury list. It is hoped that many of those that were struggling have been able to recuperate as a fully fit squad heading into the climax of the season would be a huge boost as the boss tries to negotiate his way through selecting the right team for each game in all three competitions.
Clearly United need the three points and it is worth noting that none of the last 14 meetings between these two sides has resulted in a draw. Here is hoping that the three points are safely gathered and come back North!
United go into the game five points clear of nearest rivals Arsenal having played a game more with Chelsea hot in pursuit in third. Three points for the Reds would pile the pressure on their rivals who player later knowing another slip up could prove crucial.
Generally international breaks are seen as a curse by the management at Old Trafford but this one was seen as more of a blessing considering the Reds lengthy injury list. It is hoped that many of those that were struggling have been able to recuperate as a fully fit squad heading into the climax of the season would be a huge boost as the boss tries to negotiate his way through selecting the right team for each game in all three competitions.
Clearly United need the three points and it is worth noting that none of the last 14 meetings between these two sides has resulted in a draw. Here is hoping that the three points are safely gathered and come back North!
The Opposition
West Ham have had a strange season thus far. They are currently languishing in 17th place with 32 points and only out of the relegation places courtesy of goal difference.
Before the season started, on paper the Hammers looked to have a decent squad and relegation would not have been at the forefront of owners Gold and Sullivan's mind. But after a poor start under new boss Avram Grant left them pointless following the first four games, the pressure was on. Rumours about the manager's position have gathered pace throughout the season and at one point it was thought that Martin O'Neil was set to replace the Israelian. It appeared that every time his role looked to be almost untenable he was able to scrape a victory that secured his future for a few more games.
The Hammers are on a decent current run being unbeaten in their last four home and away. Their overall home record though is poor with just five wins from the 15 games played. This record has improved recently on a run that has seen them win three of the last six. In fact, looking at their home record as a whole, they have conceded more than they have scored despite the fact that two of their first choice back four were England players at the World Cup.
Their leading scorer is Carlton Cole with 11. Their outstanding player this season has undoubtedly been Scott Parker who has often held them together in the face of adversity. He has managed to contribute seven goals in addition to his sterling defensive work in the heart of the midfield. Somewhat overdue in my opinion, he has recently enjoyed a run in England's midfield.
One of the reasons for the upsurge in form is most definitely the return of Thomas Hitzlsperger after a long injury layoff having signed in the summer. The German provides drive and energy alongside Parker and also possesses a powerful shot with a keen eye for a goal.
Before the season started, on paper the Hammers looked to have a decent squad and relegation would not have been at the forefront of owners Gold and Sullivan's mind. But after a poor start under new boss Avram Grant left them pointless following the first four games, the pressure was on. Rumours about the manager's position have gathered pace throughout the season and at one point it was thought that Martin O'Neil was set to replace the Israelian. It appeared that every time his role looked to be almost untenable he was able to scrape a victory that secured his future for a few more games.
The Hammers are on a decent current run being unbeaten in their last four home and away. Their overall home record though is poor with just five wins from the 15 games played. This record has improved recently on a run that has seen them win three of the last six. In fact, looking at their home record as a whole, they have conceded more than they have scored despite the fact that two of their first choice back four were England players at the World Cup.
Their leading scorer is Carlton Cole with 11. Their outstanding player this season has undoubtedly been Scott Parker who has often held them together in the face of adversity. He has managed to contribute seven goals in addition to his sterling defensive work in the heart of the midfield. Somewhat overdue in my opinion, he has recently enjoyed a run in England's midfield.
One of the reasons for the upsurge in form is most definitely the return of Thomas Hitzlsperger after a long injury layoff having signed in the summer. The German provides drive and energy alongside Parker and also possesses a powerful shot with a keen eye for a goal.
Key Player - Demba Ba
Born in France
Senegal international - ten games and three goals
6ft 2 aged 25
Had trials with Watford and Barnsley. Offered 1 year deal at Watford but a change in manager meant he was not in the plans of new manager Aidy Boothroyd.
Had spells with Rouen and Mouscron, moved to Hoffenheim and helped them win promotion to the Bundesliga.
Finished 7th in 1st season after leading at Christmas.
Signed from Hoffenheim after 37 goals from 97 starts
Proposed move to Stoke fell through after failing medical
Career - 71 goals from 140 appearances
4 goals from 4 league starts for West Ham
Senegal international - ten games and three goals
6ft 2 aged 25
Had trials with Watford and Barnsley. Offered 1 year deal at Watford but a change in manager meant he was not in the plans of new manager Aidy Boothroyd.
Had spells with Rouen and Mouscron, moved to Hoffenheim and helped them win promotion to the Bundesliga.
Finished 7th in 1st season after leading at Christmas.
Signed from Hoffenheim after 37 goals from 97 starts
Proposed move to Stoke fell through after failing medical
Career - 71 goals from 140 appearances
4 goals from 4 league starts for West Ham
Tactics
The Hammers recent improved form has resulted from a move to a 4-3-3 formation that has helped make them secure in defence and midfield whilst still proving a threat up front. Somewhat surprisingly, Grant switched back to a 4-4-2 in their last match against Spurs and had Green in goal to thank for keeping a clean sheet against a mis-firing home attack.
I would expect the Hammers to revert to a three in midfield on Saturday as a draw would be an acceptable result in their fight against relegation. Usually you would expect United to attempt to match up their opponents but with news this morning that Darren Fletcher is struggling to overcome a virus, injury to Anderson and the suspension of Scholes leaves the Reds with little option than to play 4-4-2. Most United fans will be pleased with this formation as it naturally makes the team more attacking with the width on display but also can lead to a vulnerability in midfield and defence. I would expect Nani to be given the role of giving Bridge a tough time with help on the flanks from his right back. On the other side, the left flank player can expect good support from an attacking Evra trying to assist on the overlap.
A good start from United is essential. The home crowd can be vociferous at times and some early pressure or a goal will go a long way to quietening them down. If however, the home side get the early advantage then it could prove to be a tricky afternoon for the Reds in their quest for the 19th title.
The Hammers recent improved form has resulted from a move to a 4-3-3 formation that has helped make them secure in defence and midfield whilst still proving a threat up front. Somewhat surprisingly, Grant switched back to a 4-4-2 in their last match against Spurs and had Green in goal to thank for keeping a clean sheet against a mis-firing home attack.
I would expect the Hammers to revert to a three in midfield on Saturday as a draw would be an acceptable result in their fight against relegation. Usually you would expect United to attempt to match up their opponents but with news this morning that Darren Fletcher is struggling to overcome a virus, injury to Anderson and the suspension of Scholes leaves the Reds with little option than to play 4-4-2. Most United fans will be pleased with this formation as it naturally makes the team more attacking with the width on display but also can lead to a vulnerability in midfield and defence. I would expect Nani to be given the role of giving Bridge a tough time with help on the flanks from his right back. On the other side, the left flank player can expect good support from an attacking Evra trying to assist on the overlap.
A good start from United is essential. The home crowd can be vociferous at times and some early pressure or a goal will go a long way to quietening them down. If however, the home side get the early advantage then it could prove to be a tricky afternoon for the Reds in their quest for the 19th title.
United
Above is my team selection for the game against West Ham. This is being published ahead of the manager's press conference so injury news is not yet known.
It has been mentioned that Van Der Sar has picked up a knock in training but I assume he will take his place between the posts.
The only query in defence is at right back. Presuming that Vidic has returned safely from his trip to snowy Estonia, I think that if fit, Wes Brown will be chosen on the right. It is thought that Rafael may well have recovered from his hamstring strain picked up against Bolton last time out but even so I would select the Englishman for his experience and defensive capabilities. If both of these are unfit then Fabio will no doubt start there and I would have no qualms about him as he seems to be slightly less impetuous than his brother when it comes to tackling and then incurring the wrath of the referee!
I have chosen Gibson in midfield ahead of Giggs as we will need to be strong in this area to stand up to the likes of Parker, Hitzlsperger and Noble. I would also expect Rooney to drop deep from his attacking position to help out when the Hammers have the ball. This could almost become a 4-5-1 at times, reverting to a traditional 4-4-2 when we have the ball. Out wide, I think Nani deserves to be first choice on the right considering his form this season despite the re-emergence of Antonio Valencia. On the left, I expect to see a return for Ji Sung Park who needs games after an injury lay off. I would, however, not be surprised to see Giggs there with Park coming on as substitute later in the game.
With Hernandez playing for Mexico early on Wednesday morning (UK time), it is the perfect time to restore Berbatov up front with Rooney dropping deep as explained. The Bulgarian has been unlucky in recent matches to find himself on the bench but a last gasp winning goal against Bolton and a two week break should see him selected in front of Hernandez.
On the bench, the likes of Giggs, Valencia and Hernandez will be waiting if we need to change the game at any time.
Score Prediction
In what could prove to be one of our toughest matches of the season left, I am going to go for a narrow 2-1 victory for United. It is imperative that three points are brought home and I can see a late winner from Nani achieving just that. The strength of squad available to the manager at this time in the season is crucial and I can see that game changers on the bench could prove decisive. Valencia and Hernandez both display express pace that can stretch tiring teams late on and the timing of their introduction (and others) will ultimately swing the balance of the game in United's favour.
Do you agree with my predictions for the team and score above? Please leave any comments below or contact me via Twitter
If you would like to read a new web chat discussing the West Ham game in more detail, please click here
As always, I will be looking forward to hearing your comments after the game on Saturday and the best will be included in my review.
Do you agree with my predictions for the team and score above? Please leave any comments below or contact me via Twitter
If you would like to read a new web chat discussing the West Ham game in more detail, please click here
As always, I will be looking forward to hearing your comments after the game on Saturday and the best will be included in my review.
I can Evra and Rooney on the bench ahead of Chelsea in CL next week. Other than that, on the money.
ReplyDeletePossibly but Evra and Rooney both did not play in midweek so should be okay to start. The way that the boss often rotates, nothing would surprise me!
ReplyDeleteManchester United FC, although not the best. But his football shirt is the most seductive.
ReplyDelete