Manchester United will look to make it two consecutive wins in the Premier League on Thursday night as they welcome struggling West Ham to Old Trafford.
Manchester United bounced back from their disappointing 0-1 loss at home to 10-man Everton the Monday before last, as they came from a goal down to win 1-2 away at Crystal Palace on Sunday. That win put a halt to Ruben Amorim’s side’s three-match winless run, but that defeat at home to the Toffees is their only loss in their last seven Premier League matches (W4-D2-L1).
The Red Devils enter MD14 in seventh position in the Premier League table, just four points behind their neighbours Manchester City, who currently occupy second spot.
After a dreadful start to the campaign in which they picked up just four points from their opening nine Premier League contests, West Ham went on to take seven points from their next three matches to move themselves outside of the relegation zone.
However, Nuno’s men saw their three-game unbeaten run come to an end at the weekend, as they were beaten 0-2 at home to reigning champions Liverpool, meaning they sit outside of the dreaded dotted line only on goal difference.
How the bookies view it: Manchester United favourites
Manchester United have been installed as favourites to make it back-to-back wins in the Premier League, with bet365 pricing a home success at just 9/20.
Bet365 have West Ham at 5/1 to claim their third victory from their last five Premier League encounters, whilst the draw is 4/1.
Head to head: Hammers with recent advantage
West Ham have an impressive recent record against Manchester United, with the Hammers winning four of the last five meetings, including doing the double over the Red Devils last season (2-1 & 0-2).
Players to watch: Bruno to bag another assist?
Bruno Fernandes was key in Manchester United’s comeback victory over Crystal Palace, as he assisted both of the Red Devils’ goals.
The Portuguese international has now provided an Assist in four of his previous six Premier League appearances for Manchester United, and the 11/4 on offer for him to repeat that feat on Thursday night appeals to me.
Predicted line-ups:
Manchester United will still be without Harry Maguire and Benjamin Sesko due to injury, whilst Matheus Cunha is still a doubt.
Lucas Paqueta will be missing for West Ham following his silly red card against Liverpool at the weekend, whilst Crysencio Summerville is still a doubt.
Manchester United: Lammens, Yoro, de Ligt, Shaw, Diallo, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dalot, Mbeumo, Mount, Zirkzee
West Ham United: Areola, Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Todibo, Diouf, Magassa, Soucek, Bowen, Fernandes, Guilherme, Wilson
Anything else catch the eye?
Manchester United’s previous 11 Premier League encounters have averaged 3.45 goals per game, with Over 2.5 Goals paying out in nine (82%) of them, with eight (73%) also producing goals at both ends.
The Hammers’ last five Premier League outings have averaged 3.60 goals per game, with Both Teams to Score & Over 2.5 Goals landing in four (80%) of them, only failing to score in their weekend defeat at home to reigning champions Liverpool.
Both Teams to Score & Over 2.5 Goals pays 20/21 at BOYLE Sports, and backing goals seems the best way to approach this one.
Interested in why both teams scoring is such a strong angle? Check out our Masterclass on BTTS and sharpen your match-reading game
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