West Ham v Man Utd – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

West Ham host Man Utd The Hammers are struggling this season and currently sit 15th in the table with four losses in eight fixtures. United have only one win in their last seven matches and have lost their last two visits to West Ham.

West Ham Form

It’s been a tough season for West Ham so far. After a win in round two, they went on a five-match winless run. They suffered a 3-1 home loss to Man City and then managed a last-minute 1-1 draw at Fulham. They then faced heavy defeats, including a 3-0 home loss to Chelsea and a 5-1 loss at Liverpool in the Carabao Cup.

In their recent 1-1 draw at Brentford, West Ham showed improvement with 19 shots on goal, followed by a 4-1 home win over Ipswich, where they recorded 23 shots and a high xG of 3.79. However, they conceded four goals in a 25-minute stretch during a 4-1 loss at Tottenham, where Spurs managed 22 shots and 1.92 xG.

West Ham Team News

Julen Lopetegui will be without two players for this match. Mohammed Kudus is suspended after his red card against Tottenham, and Niclas Fullkrug remains sidelined with a calf injury.

Crysencio Summerville may replace Kudus on the left wing. Lopetegui could consider bringing Konstantinos Mavropanos into the starting lineup to shift to a back five, as they ended the game against Spurs.

West Ham Motivation

Lopetegui needs to secure some positive results at home. A defeat here would increase the pressure on the new coach.

The Spaniard favors an attacking approach, but his slower midfield has often been overrun. Although a draw would be a solid result, West Ham are unlikely to go into full defensive mode to achieve it.

Man Utd Form

United have just one win in their last seven matches. After a 3-0 home loss to Liverpool, they managed only a 1-1 draw at home to FC Twente. A 3-0 home loss to Tottenham saw United concede 4.59 xG and allow nine big chances.

Erik ten Hag’s team fought hard for a 3-3 draw at FC Porto and secured a 0-0 draw at Aston Villa. Last weekend, they put in a strong second half to win 2-1 at home against Brentford before a 1-1 draw against Fenerbahce in Istanbul in the Europa League.

Man Utd Team News

Bruno Fernandes is available after his European suspension, but Antony remains out with an injury. Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro, and Harry Maguire are also expected to miss this match.

Jonny Evans, who missed the trip to Turkey with a knock, could return to partner Matthijs De Ligt in defense. Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte are vying for a spot alongside Christian Eriksen in midfield.

Man Utd Motivation

United are looking to improve their recent form and will aim to take all three points at West Ham.

Ten Hag’s side has an open style of play and will look to exploit the Hammers’ slower defense with quick counter-attacks.

Key Stats

West Ham have won their last two home matches against Man Utd.

West Ham have won just 2 of their last 10 home league matches (4 losses, 4 draws).

Both teams rank 13th and 12th, respectively, for most xG conceded this season.

Man Utd have failed to score in 4 of their last 8 matches (all competitions).

Man Utd have won just once in their last 7 matches (DDLDDWD).

Verdict

Neither team has defended particularly well this season, as shown by their Expected Goals conceded. Both sides are likely to score. West Ham’s slower team may struggle against United’s pace on the counter.