Premier League | Gameweek 9

Oct 27, 2024 at 2pm UK

London Stadium

West Ham vs Man Utd

Match preview

On Thursday night, the two most successful coaches in Man United's post-Sir Alex Ferguson era faced off. Ten Hag kept his cool while Mourinho lost his in a wild Europa League draw. Christian Eriksen and Youssef En-Nesyri scored for their teams.

Even the most dedicated Man United fan will admit that they were lucky to leave with a draw. Andre Onana had to make several impressive saves to keep the Turkish giants from scoring, and their volatile manager was sent to the stands after his team was denied a second-half penalty kick.

A few days before Mourinho's Europa League outburst, Man United staff were pretty shaken up when Ethan Pinnock headed Brentford into the lead at Old Trafford. Matthijs de Ligt was off the pitch getting treatment at the time. But Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund helped turn things around for Ten Hag.

That come-from-behind win is the only one Man United have to show for their last seven matches. The Premier League table doesn't look good for Sunday's visitors, who are in 12th place and six points off the top four.

On the road, though, things look a bit better for Man United. They've gone five games without a loss, though they've drawn their last four. They've also kept three straight clean sheets in the Premier League, against Southampton, Aston Villa, and Crystal Palace.

As Man United looks to make it four straight Premier League away clean sheets for the first time since July 2020, West Ham is trying to end a seven-match run without a shutout in any competition after last weekend's North London disaster.

Julen Lopetegui had reason to be optimistic when Mohammed Kudus scored the first goal, but the Ghanaian's dream start was followed by a dirty finale. Kudus was sent off for lashing out at more than one Tottenham player after Spurs had scored four goals.

Lopetegui's side got a taste of their own medicine after thumping Ipswich Town by the same score at the beginning of the month. Last weekend's setback leaves them in 15th place, but a win by any margin would put them above Man United on goal difference.

While the Irons have scored more goals than their visitors (11 to 7), West Ham have struggled at home. They haven't had a Premier League clean sheet in 13 home games since January's goalless draw with Brighton & Hove Albion, which was their first top-flight game of 2024.

On the other hand, West Ham's last PL home match of 2023 ended in a 2-0 triumph over Man United under David Moyes. This was their second straight home success over the Red Devils. However, Ten Hag got revenge when Sunday's visitors prevailed 3-0 at Old Trafford in early February.

Recent Performance

West Ham United Premier League form:LDLDWL

West Ham United form (all competitions):DLLDWL

Manchester United Premier League form:LWDLDW

Manchester United form (all competitions):DLDDWD

Injuries and suspensions

West Ham United

14 Mohammed Kudus

11 Niclas Füllkrug

Manchester United

5 Harry Maguire

15 Leny Yoro

12 Tyrell Malacia

44 Daniel Gore

23 Luke Shaw

7 Mason Mount

37 Kobbie Mainoo

Team News

Bruno Fernandes is back in the picture after sitting out the draw with Fenerbahce due to a Europa League suspension. The Man United skipper is now fit and raring to go after seeing one of the most unlikely candidates take the pitch in his place against Mourinho's side.

We were surprised to see Noussair Mazraoui in the number 10 role midweek, but he should be back to defending now. Ten Hag is also hoping Jonny Evans will be back from his knock, but Antony is a doubt with an issue he picked up on Thursday.

Kobbie Mainoo (thigh), Leny Yoro (ankle), Harry Maguire (calf), Luke Shaw (calf), Tyrell Malacia (knee), and Mason Mount (knock) are all expected to miss out for the visitors. Fernandes, who is back as captain, has never scored against West Ham in 12 previous attempts.

As Man United welcome a key attacking player back from a ban, West Ham's Kudus will miss the next three games after being sent off for violent conduct at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. He'll also miss matches against Nottingham Forest and Everton next month.

As unpredictable and exciting as Kudus can be in the final third, it's not all bad news for Lopetegui. West Ham have played five Premier League matches without the ex-Ajax man since he arrived and are unbeaten in all of them.

If we're talking about swapping one player for another, Crysencio Summerville is probably the best choice to take over from Kudus. The only other injury-related absence for the hosts should be summer signing Niclas Fullkrug and his sore calf.

There might be some other changes after last weekend's disaster. I think Edson Álvarez will probably be in the starting lineup in the deepest midfield position, replacing Guido Rodríguez.

Possible starting lineups

West Ham United possible starting lineup:

Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Kilman, Emerson; Alvarez; Bowen, Paqueta, Soucek, Summerville; Antonio

Manchester United possible starting lineup:

Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Evans, Martinez; Eriksen, Casemiro; Rashford, Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund