Premier League match time returns to Upton Park with West Ham set to host Manchester United in match week 31 on Saturday, April 2, in the second of a two-legged contest.
The first, hosted by Manchester United on August 28, 2010, ended 3-0 in the hosts' favour. Rooney scored his first goal of the season via a 33rd minute penalty to put United ahead, in a game dominated by the hosts. Shortly after the interval, Nani doubled the score and Berbatov completed the tally with a strike, 19 minutes later.
SEASON 3 PREMIERE
United's tally might have been higher but for some questionable substitutions. For instance, Hernandez might have had greater impact than Owens who replaced Berbatov in the 74th minute.
The result should not have disappointed West Ham supporters unduly, as the Hammers were never expected to win, in the first place. Avram Grant's men must be given due credit for holding United at bay in the first third. But after the Rooney penalty put the hosts ahead, there was only going to be one winner. For the Hammers, Upson, Gabbidon and Green had outstanding game in what was otherwise a one-sided encounter.
Head to head, West Ham hold in a 14-4 advantage in the last 20 league games played between the sides, with the remaining 2 having ended in stalemates.
In their last 10 league games, West Ham have registered 4 wins, 3 draws and 3 losses; Manchester United have won 7 of their last 10, while losing 2 and drawing the remaining one. Of their 15 home games this season, West Ham have won 5, drawn 4 and lost 6, while Manchester United have won 4 of their 15 games on the road, while losing 3 and drawing the remaining 8.
In match week 30, West Ham drew 0-0 against away at Tottenham; Manchester United beat Bolton 1-0 at home.
Much water has flowed under the proverbial bridge since the first leg game between the sides. United have since consolidated their position at the top of the table. Interestingly, West Ham, in the cellar of relegation for most part of the season have emerged in the last few games after the second transfer window, on the back of some good wins, including against the likes of Liverpool and Stoke.
On current form, West Ham can be expected to put up a good fight, on home turf, against United, but they will need some luck to be able to salvage any points from the game.
West Ham's starting eleven against Tottenham had the following players: Green, Jacobsen, Da Costa, Upson, Bridge, O'Neill, Parker, Hitzlsperger, Noble, Cole, Ba. Obinna was used as a substitute.
Manchester United had the following men in their starting eleven against Bolton: Van der Sar, Brown, Smalling, Evans, Evra, Valencia, Carrick, Giggs, Nani, Rooney, Hernandez. Berbatov and Da Silva featured as substitutes.
Premier League Preview: West Ham Vs Manchester United SEASON 3 PREMIERE
0 comments:
Post a Comment