Manchester United know better than to underestimate the hammers. The east Londoners are famous for causing United pain in previous title run-ins. Twenty-one years ago, a defeat over there cost United the title. A feat repeated three years after when the red army could only draw 1-1. Czech goalie, Ludek Miklosko thwarted Andy Cole on many occasions that fateful day. Afterwards, Blackburn were crowned champions. Tonight, Manchester United will be wary of the threat West Ham pose all round. An assured performance against Stoke on Sunday was just what the Champions-elect needed to take away some of the pain that emanated from the 2-1 defeat to Manchester City at the Theatre. Fergie will also be glad that his hitman, RVP has returned to goal scoring form. His penalty at the Britannia ended a shambolic run of 10 games without finding the back of the net. The celebrations after will go down in history as one of the most passionate. The way the Dutchman held on to SAF and the high five that followed, was just touching..and that is putting it mildly.More of that tonight and United will be closer to their 20th domestic crown. A great achievement.
The task will not be easy if recent match-ups are looked at. A 2-2 draw in the F.A Cup meeting three months ago is one example. Fergie's men needed a last gasp RvP goal to secure a replay which they won by a single goal. In the EPl fixture at Old Trafford, it was the Dutch striker yet again who came up with the goods, scoring the only goal that separated both sides. So tonight's fixture is as difficult as any other, especially at a place where Manchester City failed to come out with all three points and Chelsea, soundly beaten.
West Ham United lie in 12th place on the log with 38 points from 32 games. Not exactly what Big Sam envisaged when they got promoted. The signings they made and the players they have are capable of shooting the hammers to the top 10 of the Premier League. However, improvements in fortunes for West Brom and Capital One Cup Champions, Swansea has denied them that ambition. The objective now is not to be drawn into any relegation battle come the tail end of the season. Six more points and they are home and dry. Six games to achieve that, starting with tonight against the biggest club in the land, Manchester United. The hammers earned a satisfactory point away to the Saints at the weekend. Andy Carroll was the catalyst yet again. His 5 goals in the the last 7 games has helped the hammers to good effect. He is back to his best..or on his way back. Gary O'Neil has been playing quite well of late and should provide the needed cover for the injured Joe Cole.
The red devils are still without the ginger maestro, Paul Scholes and Ashley Young is injured yet again. Phil Jones could feature yet again after excellent shifts v Manchester City and Stoke. West Ham are also a very physical team, so the League Leaders need tall and strong individuals at the back. Robin Van Persie needed that goal at the weekend to restore his confidence. No one can bet against him going on a scoring run in the games that remain. The gaffer has demanded that all six games left are must wins as Chelsea's 95 points record haul is the target. It must be surpassed! Wayne Rooney was voted MOTM by Manchester United fans after a great showing in midfield v Stoke. The Englishman is four goal shy of the 200 mark for the table toppers. He will be motivated to do that before the season ends. A place among the strikers will be his wish, although Fergie doesn't necessarily grant wishes. I doubt if he will be played in midfield again tonight. Cleverley should return to the lineup.
The red devils have faced West Ham 40 times in the Fergie era, winning 26 (65%), drawing 9 and losing just 5. Based on this stat, we know a 27th win is the expected outcome. Nevertheless, this one will be very tough.
PROBABLE LINEUPS
WEST HAM-
Jaaskelainen, Demel, Collins, Tomkins, O'Brien, O;Neil, Diame, NOLAN, Vaz Te, Jarvis, CARROLL
Big Sam will not tinker with his squad too much for this game. The bulk of the team above have served him very well. Andy Carroll is the main threat. Nolan knows how to score winners against Manchester United and his manager knows all about that.
MANCHESTER UNITED
DDG, Jones, Vidic, Evans, Evra, Carrick, Cleverley, Kagawa, Welbeck, Rooney, RVP
Fergie will be biting more than he can chew if Rio features in this game. 180 minutes in 6 days is a lot already for the 34 year old who has a weak back. He will most likely be rested for this one. Vidic is expected to face a late fitness test for a calf strain. He should be fine. His aerial prowess is required tonight. Danny Welbeck and Cleverley should come in for TonyV and Chicharito, with Rooney pushed up top. The Ecuadorian winger is short of ideas this season and must sit out this one. As usual, RVP will lead the line. Due a hat-trick?
Ohireime P Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990
No comments:
Post a Comment