Manchester United take on West Ham United in the FA Cup quarterfinals, hoping to bounce back from a humbling defeat at Anfield in the Europa League.
The Old Trafford outfit’s performance was largely criticised by fans, pundits and ex-players alike. Louis van Gaal has come under a lot of criticism this season, particularly after a dismal showing at Anfield.
Liverpool toyed with United, pinning them in their own half for most of the game, with Van Gaal’s men having just a solitary shot on target. It was David de Gea who kept them in the tie following a heroic performance which saved Van Gaal the blushes.
FA Cup represents United’s best chance of winning a trophy this season, unless they can overturn a 2-goal deficit in the Europa League against a Liverpool side that will be rested at the weekend. Manchester United on the other hand host West Ham at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Sitting on the 5th spot in the league table, Slaven Bilic’s side have shown their credentials against the big guns in the Premier League this season. Both the sides will be looking at the FA Cup as their only opportunity to win something this season and will be going all out to win the tie.
Team News
Manchester United
Predicted Starting XI (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Darmian, Smalling, Blind, Rojo; Schneiderlin, Schweinsteiger, Lingard, Herrera, Martial; Rashford
West Ham
Predicted Staring XI (4-3-3): Randolph; Cresswell, Ogbonna, Reid, O’Brien; Noble, Song, Lanzini; Payet, Emenike, Antonio
Stats:
- Manchester United have not lost to West Ham United in any of their last 10 games in all competition.
- West Ham United are winless in their last 8 trips to Old Trafford in all competition.
- They last won at Old Trafford on the final day of the 2006-07 season, when a solitary Carlos Tevez strike saved them from relegation.
- Manchester United, however, have lost their last two FA Cup ties at Old Trafford against Premier League sides.
- Manchester United have won their last 4 home games, scoring 12 times – the same they had scored in previous 13 ties at home.
Prediction
Manchester United 1-2 West Ham
Louis van Gaal’s men will have one eye on the Liverpool clash and are also not as fresh as West Ham who have had the entire week to prepare for the game.
All in all, West Ham have FA Cup as their only chance of winning something this season, and with Juan Mata and Wayne Rooney both unavailable due to suspension and injury respectively, West Ham will surely smell blood.
Odds (Bet365.com)
- Manchester United win: 1
- Draw: 13/5
- West Ham United win: 3
