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West Ham Face Manchester United in Big Test to their Unbeaten Run | Match Preview

By Fionnbharr Luckie

Mark Noble, West Ham. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Mark Noble, West Ham. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
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West Ham and Manchester United both return from their European campaigns in very different spirits. The Hammers comfortably won their first ever Europa League group stage game, whereas The Red Devils suffered a humiliating loss to BSC Young Boys in the Champions League. Both teams are unbeaten in the Premier League though, and will be facing a big test to remain so.

Date: 19/09/2021
Time: 14:00
Venue: London Stadium

Match Preview:

Without Michail Antonio, West Ham could struggle against a strong Manchester United defence, and David Moyes will have to find an answer to breaking them down. Last season in the cup Andriy Yarmolenko was used as a striker, but he lacked the physicality to hold up the ball and the speed to run in behind. Moyes may elect to use new signing Nikola Vlasic up front, or he could turn to Jarrod Bowen, but I feel that our best chance at scoring is likely to be from a set-piece. If the Hammers defence can stay strong, there is every chance we can get a result, despite the potency of The Red Devil’s attack.

Cristiano Ronaldo made his return for Manchester United against Newcastle last gameweek, bagging a brace. The 36-year-old poses a significant threat, but Mason Greenwood, Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba have all started the season well. Following his comfortable debut against Dinamo Zagreb, Kurt Zouma should be brought in to shore up the Iron’s defence which has looked shaky at times.

ZAGREB, CROATIA – SEPTEMBER 16: Dominik Livakovic and Bruno Petkovic of Dinamo Zagreb in action during the UEFA Europa League group H match between Dinamo Zagreb and West Ham United at Maksimir Stadium on September 16, 2021 in Zagreb, Croatia. (Photo by Goran Stanzl/Pixsell/MB Media/Getty Images)
ZAGREB, CROATIA – SEPTEMBER 16: Dominik Livakovic and Bruno Petkovic of Dinamo Zagreb in action during the UEFA Europa League group H match between Dinamo Zagreb and West Ham United at Maksimir Stadium on September 16, 2021 in Zagreb, Croatia. (Photo by Goran Stanzl/Pixsell/MB Media/Getty Images) /

Team News:

Michail Antonio received a red card for a second yellow against Southampton, and as such will be ineligible for selection this game. Moyes revealed after the Zagreb game that Said Benrahma picked up a knock and as such may not be able to play in this fixture.

Predicted XI: Fabianski, Coufal, Zouma, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Rice, Soucek, Fornals, Lanzini, Vlasic, Bowen.

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