The two most under-fire managers in the Premier League will face off on Sunday afternoon at the London Stadium as Julen Lopetegui’s West Ham United host Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United.
Both managers come into the game in contrasting form. West Ham were humiliated 4-1 by capital rivals Tottenham Hotspur, while United picked up a morale-boosting 2-1 win over Brentford.
They endured another setback in midweek, settling for a 1-1 draw against Fenerbahce in the Europa League, but will be keen to get back to winning ways.
United sit 12th in the Premier League table and will be keen to claim maximum points to push higher up the log.
The Red Devils faithful haven’t had plenty to cheer about this season, but many will buy West Ham vs Man Utd tickets from Seatsnet.com to cheer the Red Devils on Sunday.
Match Preview
United’s two most successful managers of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era – Ten Hag and Jose Mourinho – found themselves in the spotlight once again.
Ten Hag kept his composure on the touchline, but Mourinho couldn’t contain his frustration and was eventually sent to the stands as his side felt the sting of a second-half penalty denial.
In an electric atmosphere, goals from Christian Eriksen and Youssef En-Nesyri kept both teams locked in a tense draw.
United fans will be pleased with the result but would admit that the Red Devils were lucky to walk away with a point.
Andre Onana was forced to make a series of high-profile saves to keep the Turkish side at bay, showing his worth as United’s last line of defence.
United experienced another rollercoaster at Old Trafford only days before their European drama, this time in the Premier League against Brentford.
With the first half drawing to a close, Brentford’s Ethan Pinnock headed his side into a late lead while a bloodied Matthijs de Ligt was temporarily off the pitch receiving treatment at the time.
However, just when things looked bleak, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund found the net in the dying moments to seal a crucial comeback for Ten Hag’s side.
The hard-fought win over Brentford is United’s only victory from their last seven matches, reflecting the team’s recent struggles.
The Red Devils sit 12th in the Premier League table, six points adrift of the top four – a place few fans expected them to be at this stage in the season.
Despite their patchy form, United’s away statistics offer a glimmer of hope. They are unbeaten in their last five away games, even if they have drawn four of them (W1).
This run has also seen Ten Hag’s side keep three consecutive Premier League clean sheets away from home against Southampton, Aston Villa, and Crystal Palace.
Their defensive stability serves as a platform to build upon as Ten Hag’s side aims to climb back up the league standings.
As United pursue a fourth consecutive Premier League away clean sheet for the first time since July 2020, West Ham find themselves eager to break a troubling streak of their own.
After enduring a tough North London encounter, Lopetegui’s squad is determined to reverse a seven-match run without a shut-out in any competition as they welcome a United side that has struggled to assert dominance on the road this season.
Last weekend’s clash against Tottenham began with a promising strike from Mohammed Kudus, who found the back of the net to set an early tone.
However, the promising start soon turned turbulent, as Spurs hit back with four goals, triggering frustration that saw Kudus sent off following an altercation with multiple Tottenham players.
His outburst punctuated a match where West Ham’s defensive fragility was on full display despite having enjoyed their own commanding 4-1 win over Ipswich Town in early October.
However, that brief success didn’t lift them far up the table as they sit 15th, although a win over United on Sunday would take them above the Red Devils on goal difference.
West Ham have been more prolific than United, but the Irons are on an abysmal run of 13 home games without a Premier League clean sheet, dating back to their goalless draw against Brighton & Hove Albion in January.
While their defensive woes have been a constant concern for Lopetegui, there is hope for an upset against United, especially given that West Ham’s last Premier League home fixture in 2023 ended in a satisfying 2-0 win over the Red Devils.
That victory, under the guidance of David Moyes, marked West Ham’s second successive home success against United – a streak the Irons are keen to extend in front of their home fans.
Team News
United captain Bruno Fernandes was absent from the 1-1 draw against Fenerbahce due to a Europa League suspension but is now back in the fold and raring to rejoin the squad.
His return will be a massive boost for United, especially after witnessing a shocking shift in the line-up, with Noussair Mazraoui stepping into an unexpected number 10 role in his absence.
Mazraoui is primarily known for his defensive contributions but was handed the creative duties midweek. However, he will likely move back to his typical defensive spot now that Fernandes is available.
Ten Hag also has his fingers crossed for veteran defender Jonny Evans, who is on the mend from a minor knock.
However, the injury list is still substantial for United, with Kobbie Mainoo (thigh), Leny Yoro (ankle), Harry Maguire (calf), Luke Shaw (calf), Tyrell Malacia (knee), and Mason Mount (knock) all expected to be unavailable.
Antony is also a doubt after picking up an issue on Thursday.
As United prepare to take on West Ham, Fernandes returns with extra motivation, though he’s yet to score in 12 attempts against the Hammers.
Meanwhile, West Ham are facing their own line-up adjustments, with Kudus kicking off his three-game suspension following his altercation at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Kudus’ energy and flair in the final third will certainly be missed, but the Hammers have proven resilient, remaining unbeaten in the five league matches he’s missed since joining the club.
Lopetegui has options, and Crysencio Summerville seems the most likely candidate to step into the attacking line-up for the suspended Kudus.
West Ham will also be without summer signing Niclas Fullkrug, who is expected to remain sidelined as he struggles with a calf problem.
Other tactical changes could be in the mix following the team’s recent struggles, with Edson Alvarez potentially set to replace Guido Rodriguez in a holding midfield role.
West Ham United potential line-up:
(4-2-3-1): Alphonse Areola; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Max Kilman, Emerson Palmieir; Edson Alvarez; Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta, Tomas Soucek, Crysencio Summerville; Michail Antonio.
Man United potential starting line-up:
(4-2-3-1): Andre Onana; Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs De Ligt, Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez; Christian Eriksen, Casemiro; Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho; Rasmus Hojlund.
line-up
