Passing that 40-point mark remains the objective for West Ham although their Premier League status is virtually secured. One defeat in their last five and back-to-back draws at Liverpool and Southampton have lifted Sam Allardyce’s side away from danger with the Hammers boss yet to enter contract talks until safety is fully assured. The return of Andy Carroll to goal scoring form has been instrumental in recent weeks and Allardyce will undoubtedly look to the Geordie striker to ruffle a few feathers when Manchester United come to town.
All United need to do is keep winning if they’re to wrap up the title before the season concludes. Sir Alex Ferguson’s men have won eight of their last nine and could get their hands back on the Premier League trophy next Monday at home to Aston Villa should results go their way. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side rebuilt their 15-point lead over rivals Manchester City with a 2-0 win at Stoke and the efficiency of their display at the Britannia Stadium will need to be carried over to east London if they’re to see off an improving West Ham team.
Team News
Defender James Tomkins (calf) faces a late fitness test and with Winston Reid and George McCartney struggling to be fit Emmanuel Pogatetz could be handed a start by Sam Allardyce.
Manchester United have no serious injury concerns but Sir Alex Ferguson may opt to shuffle his pack and bring Jonny Evans or Chris Smalling in to replace Rio Ferdinand or Nemanja Vidic in the heart of defence.
What the managers said…
“I wouldn’t be here if we weren’t playing in the Premier League next season. I always said if I don’t keep them up, I won’t stay. We’re very close to being mathematically okay. I think it’s highly unlikely with four home games in the last six that we’re not going to pick more points up. We are going to be safe and playing in the Barclays Premier League next season so my planning will be done as quickly as possible and we’ll get on to the contract, which I’m sure I’m going to sign.” Sam Allardyce is sure he will sign a new contract at West Ham (Independent)
I always say you don’t leave your character in the dressing room and I think we saw that against Stoke,” he told the club’s official website. The Britannia Stadium is not an easy place to go to and we had this swirling wind in the first half in particular, which was difficult, but nonetheless we had to find a way through it and we kept our composure. We weren’t over-anxious about the game – we kept playing the ball passing it around.” Sir Alex Ferguson says Sunday’s win at Stoke was a real test of character for Man Utd (manutd.com)
Pre-match Statistic: West Ham have failed to find the net in six of their last seven Premier League games fixtures against Manchester United.
Prediction: West Ham United 2-3 Manchester United
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