Mark Lawrenson predicts West Ham clash v Man United
Mark Lawrenson predicts Manchester United will have enough to edge West Ham in the fifth round FA Cup tie at Old Trafford this evening.
The two Premier League sides meet in one of the biggest clashes of the round. Both sides are having good season’s in the league, with United getting the better of the two in December.
Whilst giving his predictions for the BBC, Lawrenson insisted that Solskjaer’s squad depth could prove critical in the outcome.
He said: “It’s quite right that West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek can play at Old Trafford after correctly getting his red card overturned.
“This should be a really good cup tie. The Hammers have been playing well, while Manchester United have dropped a few points in the league in recent weeks, including against Everton on Saturday when they conceded a last-gasp equaliser.
“There are questions over Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s defence, but I feel they will get the job done here.
“United have got a big enough squad to make some changes but still go for it. Solskjaer is desperate to bring a trophy to Old Trafford, so the FA Cup is important to him.”
Lawrenson predicts the scoreline to read 2-0 in favour of Manchester United.
Who wants it more?
West Ham continue to go from strength to strength under David Moyes in his second reign at the club. The Hammers come into this cup tie with seven wins in 2021, losing just once to Liverpool.
News of Tomas Soucek’s red card being overturned is a huge boost to the side. The Czech is our top goalscorer this season and poses a real threat, he’s already netted against United this season.
At the London Stadium in December we were outstanding in the first half, and missed a host of chances to put the game to bed.
We only had ourselves to blame as United ran away with it in the second half, having the luxury of bringing on Fernandes and Rashford.
United will be keen to progress in the cup. Solskjaer’s men bottled three semi-finals last year, in the Carabao Cup, FA Cup and Europa League. He’ll no doubt be fielding a strong side like he did against Liverpool in the last round.
In other West Ham news, here is our predicted XI to face off with United at Old Trafford.