Manchester United vs West Ham match preview, predictions, possible lineups, time and where to watch

Kobbie Mainoo with his cold celebration against Wolves. (Photo Credit: Man Utd/X)

Manchester United vs West Ham match preview, predictions, possible lineups, time and where to watch

16:53 - 02.02.2024

The Red Devils will be looking to pick up from where they left off against Wolves when they host West Ham

The upcoming Premier League clash between Manchester United and West Ham United on Sunday, February 4th, 2024, is set to be a compelling encounter. The match will kick off at 3:00 PM WAT at Old Trafford in Manchester.

Fans can catch the game live on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, and Sky Sports Ultra HDR, with coverage starting at 1pm GMT. Additionally, a live stream will be available via the Sky Go website or app, and live updates can be followed through Standard Sport's dedicated match blog.

Teams’ Recent Form

Manchester United, under Erik ten Hag, will look to build on their dramatic victory over Wolves, with Kobbie Mainoo expected to continue shining in midfield after netting a late winner. Marcus Rashford, having moved past recent controversies, is also anticipated to make significant contributions. Despite a disappointing draw at home to Bournemouth, United aims to breach the top six with a win. Vladimir Coufal returns from suspension for West Ham, but Lucas Paqueta and Michail Antonio are sidelined due to injuries​​.

Both teams have shown varying degrees of form recently. Manchester United sits in the 9th position with 32 points, having won 10 matches, lost 9, and drawn twice. Their top scorer, S.McTominay, has netted 5 goals in 20 matches. On the other hand, West Ham United is in the 6th spot with 35 points, winning 10 matches, losing 6, and drawing 5 times​​.

Possible Lineups and Key Players

Manchester United: Expected to field players like Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford, and Bruno Fernandes, with Mainoo and Rashford being pivotal in their recent performances​​​​.

West Ham United: Likely to include players such as Vladimir Coufal back from suspension, but will miss Lucas Paqueta and Michail Antonio. Key players to watch include Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen​​​​.

Historical Head-to-Head Record and Rivalry

Historically, Manchester United has the upper hand in head-to-head encounters, boasting 73 wins to West Ham's 48, alongside 32 draws​​. Betting odds suggest Manchester United as favorites, but West Ham's resilience and tactical acumen under David Moyes make them formidable opponents​​.

This match promises to be a tactical battle, with both teams looking to exploit each other's weaknesses while capitalizing on their strengths. Manchester United's recent inconsistency makes the outcome hard to predict, but their home advantage at Old Trafford could prove pivotal. West Ham's recent performances indicate they could cause an upset, making this an intriguing match for both sets of fans and neutral observers alike.

Betting Tips and Predictions

Odds suggest Manchester United as favorites, but West Ham’s capability to surprise should not be underestimated. The prediction leans towards a close match, possibly ending in a narrow victory for West Ham​​​​.

This match is poised to be a closely contested battle with both teams having everything to play for. Manchester United seeks to climb the table, while West Ham aims to solidify their position with a statement win.