Manchester United bounced back in some style from the 3-0 reverse v Liverpool. The 3-0 (3-2 agg) win over Olympiakos buried some demons of the last few months. It has been one hell of a rotten season for the red army and qualification to the quarter-final of the Champions League has eased some pressure on Moyes and company. It hasn't been plain sailing for West Ham either. After four straight wins, the hammers have lost the last two and find themselves just six points above relegation. Victory on Saturday evening will put them closer to safety.
Robin Van Persie will almost certainly sit out the encounter because of a knee injury he suffered during Wednesday's all important match v newly crowned Greek champions, Olympiakos. However, his hat-trick was enough to see the red army through to the last eight of Europe's most prestigious club competition. He should be fit for Tuesday's Manchester Derby. Portuguese off and on winger, Luis Nani has been put through the paces in recent weeks but Saturday's game may be too soon for him. Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling are doubts too. Although the former may make the match day squad. Nemanja Vidic has been accumulating red cards this term. The Serbian war horse has been banned for the next two games after getting sent off in the Liverpool mauling.
The Hammers have been very unlucky with injuries this campaign. Sam Allardyce has rued his luck and rode it at the same time. The gum chewing tactician has warned his players that they are playing for their future and that only the very best will do if they are to have any chance of defeating United. Well, these days, you really don't have to be at your best to beat the defending English Champions to be honest.
Wayne Rooney must have read Mark Ogden's piece for the Telegraph on the eve of the vital game on Wednesday. He rose to the occasion and made his presence felt with some raking passes and all round masterful display. With SEVEN assists this season, the Englishman stands alone as the highest assist maker in the Champions League. Nevertheless, it is in the League that he must prove his mettle. Already on double figures in both goals and assists this season, a performance reminiscent of three years ago will be very much appreciated. The outburst in front of the cameras of course should not be part of it. In the expected absence of RVP, the burden of leading the team to victory firmly rests on his broad shoulders. He has done it several times. Undoubtedly, he can do it again.
PROBABLE LINEUPS-
WEST HAM-
Adrian, Demel, Tomkins, Collins, McCartney, Noble, Taylor, Downing, Nolan, Jarvis, CARROLL
The East Londoners will be happy with the fact that Carroll is back to scoring ways. The Englishman broke his duck at the Britannia last weekend in a 3-1 loss. He has caused United so much headache in the past with his giant frame and good hold up play. A repeat performance will be sweet. Mark Noble and Matt Taylor can try to dominate the much criticized MUFC midfield which only shone when 40-year old Ryan Giggs returned. Kev Nolan has scored big goals against the red army in the past and he is in terrific form. Left wing Jesus Downing will be hoping to provide the much needed width on Saturday.
MANCHESTER UNITED
DDG, Rafael, Jones, Rio, Evra, Carrick, Fellaini, TONYV/Adnan, Mata, Welbeck, Wazza
Rafa Da Silva was very lucky to be on the pitch for the duration of the Liverpool match on Sunday. The young Brazilian's erratic display was one of the disappointing aspects of the game. But he rebounded in midweek to produce one of those showings we have come to be accustomed to. The 'warrior extraordinarie' Antonio Valencia played through an excruciating pain to his left eye. That eye was covered all through the period he spent on the pitch. The Ecuadorian winger put Manchester United before his health and safety and his continuous refusal to be subbed epitomized his unbridled loyalty to the club. Only if that eye injury has been made worse will he miss the party at East London. Marouane Fellaini should return to the starting eleven after such a fine cameo in midweek. Juan Mata must be reeling at his inability to play in Europe because he is cup tied. The magical Spaniard should return to the Starting eleven. Danny Welbeck has scored 9 goals in 19 League games. A good stat considering his poor run in front of goal last term. In the absence of RVP, he should make his presence felt.
It is a good time to play West Ham and even better on the back of a much needed morale boosting victory on Wednesday. The reward for hard work is more work and Bayern lie in wait for the red army in the Quarter-final of the UCL after the draws were made.
It is time to separate the cats from the pigeons
Ohireime P Eboreime
@ohiskaka1990
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