Two managers under pressure lock horns in this Premier League clash between West Ham United and Manchester United so the stakes are high at London Stadium.
Hammers fans were expecting their team to push on after the David Moyes era when new gaffer Julen Lopetegui was backed heavily in the transfer market this summer.
But none of his new signings has made an impact so far and last weekend's worrying 4-1 loss at Tottenham left them sitting in 15th, just five points above the drop zone.
Lopetegui needs things to improve quickly or he could struggle to see out the season and the Spaniard will be hoping Thursday's Europa League trip to Fenerbahce has taken a lot out of Manchester United.
Erik ten Hag needed a result in that game to ease the pressure on him after winning just four of United's first 12 games this season. Our man Lee backed the draw in Turkey and was spot on as that match ended in a 1-1 stalemate.
Attention now turns back to climbing up the Premier League table and the Dutchman desperately needs a win as he bids to prove he's still the right man for the job.
How the bookies view it: More woe for Hammers
Despite coming off the back of a draining European game, Manchester United are Betano's favourites here at 5/4. West Ham United are 9/5 outsiders and the draw pays 27/10.
Recent head to head: Home bankers
Home advantage has been a big factor in recent meetings, with the last six matches all ending in defeats for the away side. West Ham won 2-0 when Ten Hag's side came calling last term but the Red Devils got their revenge with a 3-o victory at Old Trafford.
Players to watch: Fresh Fernandes has a point to prove
Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes will be fresh for this one after sitting out the clash in Turkey due to suspension. The midfielder has yet to score this term but netted 15 times last term so is due a goal. He's 15/8 at Betano for anytime scorer and evens with Bet365 to either score or assist.
Big-money Hammers signing Crysencio Summerville has also yet to get off the mark but opportunities have been limited so far with most of his appearances coming off the bench. With Mohammed Kudus suspended, the former Leeds winger should start here and is 11/8 with Bet365 to either score or assist.
Probable line-ups
West Ham striker Niclas Fullkrug still isn't ready to return while Kudus starts his lengthy ban for that crazy red card at Spurs. Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro remain out for Manchester United while Tyrell Malacia, Casemiro, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount and Johnny Evans are doubts.
West Ham United: Areola, Todibo, Kilman, Wan-Bissaka, Emerson, Paqueta, Summerville, Bowen, Alvarez, Soucek, Antonio.
Manchester United: Onana, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot, Mazraoui, Fernandes, Ugarte, Rashford, Eriksen, Garnacho, Hojlund.
Anything else catch the eye?
Neither team has been defending well this season so this should be an entertaining game. BTTS is just 4/9 but adding on over 2.5 goals boosts the odds a little to 8/11 at Bet365. Over 1.5 first-half goals is more tempting at 5/4 with Betfred, given that bet has landed in four of the last five games for West Ham.
A lack of discipline has been evident in both these squads of late so it could also pay to back a busy day for the referee. Over 62.5 booking points pays 6/4 at Betfred while Hammers full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka is 12/5 at Bet365 to be carded against his old club.
This English Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester United will be played on Oct 27, 2024 and kick off at 14:00. Check below for our tipsters best West Ham United vs Manchester United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
