MANCHESTER UNITED
v
WEST HAM UNITED
Old Trafford, Manchester
August 28, 2010
10:30 PM IST – Live on ESPN
Manchester United would be hoping to come back to winning ways after their last week’s draw against a spirited Fulham side. Chelsea’s barrage of goals in the opening two games has asked questions of other title-contenders including United but Sir Alex would be hoping for his side to respond in the best possible manner, especially after the ‘silly points lost’ at the Cottage.
Valencia’s form has dipped in the last two games after his great start to the season in the community-shield. He might be given a rest with Nani patrolling the right side of midfield. Carrick is also expected to be involved after he missed the previous two games. Rafael could also get the nod ahead of John O’ Shea to provide an extra attacking option for the home side.
Rooney returns – but can he return to form?
Rooney returns to the side after a stomach upset which ruled him out of the last game against Fulham. Anderson and Neville had a decent run out in midweek for the reserves, but they are still couple of weeks away from first team action. Rio Ferdinand and Owen Hargreaves are still out injured.
West Ham United, on the other hand, have had a disastrous start to their season losing to Aston Villa and Bolton in their opening two games. While a trip to Old Trafford is a daunting task in itself, Avram Grant would know that defeat in this game and with Chelsea and Tottenham to come as their next two opponents, the season for his team could well be rolling in the opposite direction.
Grant is hopeful on the return of Matthew Upson after the captain was substituted with a facial injury against Bolton last week. Victor Obinna might get his first game for the Hammers after joining the club this week on loan. Carlton Cole, Robert Green and Kieron Dyer are set to return after being rested for their Carling Cup match against Oxford. Midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger is still out with a thigh injury.
Probable Starting Line-ups:
Key Match Facts:
1) United have won their last five matches against West Ham and scored fourteen goals in them.
2) Paul Scholes delivered 200 passes in the opening two games of the season, the highest in the league so far.
3) West Ham last won away from home on the opening day of the last season.
TheHardTackle’s PLAYER TO WATCH OUT:
NANI (Manchester United)
The Portugese would be determined to make amends for his penalty miss in the last game that proved costly for his team. West Ham might struggle to cope up with his trickery.
Looking to overturn last week’s disappointment
TheHardTackle’s PREDICTION:
Man United 3-0 West Ham United
The Red Devils will be looking to get back to winning ways. West Ham will find it hard to prevent United from winning the game comfortably.
