GSH Predictions: West Ham to Continue Good Run of Form
By Justin Wasik
Most of our Green St. Hammers experts predict West Ham to continue their good form and pick up a result against Manchester United.
Manchester United visit the London Stadium having won their last three matches in the Premier League, including a dramatic come-from-behind victory at St. Mary’s over Southampton. West Ham have also won their last three Premier League matches, with two clean sheets in the process. Most of our experts fancy West Ham to continue that form and pick up points.
Justin: West Ham 1-2 Manchester United
Manchester United come into this fixture having failed to win at the London Stadium in the club’s previous three attempts. In fact, they’ve only scored one goal during those three matches. However, the Red Devils bring significant attacking firepower to this match, scoring three goals in eight matches in all competitions already this season.
While United have won their last three league matches, they have shown inconsistency, as seen by losses to bottom-half teams in Crystal Palace, Arsenal, and a 6-1 drubbing at the hands of first-place Tottenham Hotspur. That all being said, the club finds itself five points from the top of the table, with a game-in-hand.
West Ham have also won their last three league fixtures, although, some of those victories certainly were not pretty. A lucky result against Aston Villa and gritty 1-0 victories over Sheffield United and Fulham have seen the Hammers up to 5th place.
I think it will be a good game as West Ham will continue to play with effort, consistency and togetherness. I certainly hope Edinson Cavani is banned for this match as his absence increases my confidence. Nonetheless, I think United will have too much firepower and will probably win on a soft penalty late in the second half.
Jeremiah: West Ham 2-1 Manchester United
You’d have to go back to the 2018/19 season to find a time when West Ham won four top-flight matches in a row. At that time, West Ham were flying high on their way to a comfortable mid-table finish during Manuel Pellegrini’s first season in charge at the club. Nevertheless, this upcoming matchup against Manchester United has a lot in store for fans and players alike.
The unknown of how either team reacts with fans is still to be seen, but with how the current team is forming up, I think it’ll only help! Both sides are coming off of solid wins, with United having more firepower than Villa. But I do think our solid backline should prevail again.
I think the Hammers go down early but find a way to come back and win, showing that newly found tenacity they’ve grown under Moyes.
Jack: West Ham 3-2 Manchester United
As a labouring Manchester United head to the London Stadium this weekend, there is optimism in the Hammers ranks after three wins on the bounce. Last week, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Red Devils narrowly scraped past Southampton. United are certainly there for the taking having already lost to Crystal Palace and Arsenal this season.
Moyes will be stressing the quality of Bruno Fernandes – the midfield orchestrator has registered seven goals and three assists in nine matches and has been the key to United’s success. His quality will be a test for Declan Rice, who will no doubt be tasked with keeping United’s main man quiet. This, however, is something I expect him to do.
United will look to dominate the ball, but this should suit Moyesy-ball. Last week, in a 2-1 win over Aston Villa, West Ham showed attacking intent in two minutes of the ninety, somehow scoring in both. A smash and grab win. We love it. Now, with the fans back, I’m expecting a show.
In true ‘final night at the Boleyn’ style, it won’t be easy but will certainly be memorable. I’m going West Ham to win 3-2 and I’ll chuck in a Manchester United penalty (obviously) and a Said Behrama winner for good measure as well.
Adam: West Ham 1-1 Manchester United
Both teams have surprised this season – West Ham with their consistent strong play and Manchester United with their inconsistency regardless of competition.
This match will have chances at both ends. However, a frustrating stalemate could leave both teams wanting more from the match. I don’t think United will breakdown the Hammers defense easily and I don’t think Moyes’ men will generate a ton from open play. Hard to predict, but one-all seems like a possibility.
Lou: West Ham 1-1 Manchester United
West Ham are heading into this fixture on the back of three straights wins, while Manchester United are on a club-record run of eight straight away league victories. On the basis of that, it’s difficult to separate the two sides so I’m opting for the safe option of a draw.
The Hammers have played well against the Red Devils during their time at London Stadium and will be relishing the chance to go into the top four, at least for a day.
The away side have a crucial Champions League match in midweek so there is a possibility that they have one eye on that. But with the likes of Bruno Fernandes in the team, they certainly have the quality to hurt West Ham at any time.
Fingers crossed that it is an entertaining affair overall.