Michael Owen predicts result of West Ham clash against Manchester United
West Ham visit Old Trafford on Saturday (22 January) to take on Manchester United, and they will be keen to leave with a result.
They lost to Leeds United last time out, but Michael Owen sees them picking up at least a point against the Red Devils, predicting a 1-1 draw in his BetVictor column while previewing the clash.
The Hammers have produced some impressive results against the bigwigs so far this term, and they will fancy their chances against Man Utd.
Owen said: “After failing to hold on to a two-goal lead against Villa, Man United got the win over Brentford on Wednesday.
“They look in good form going forward, but they are conceding too many chances at the back.
“David De Gea has been in brilliant form in recent weeks, but you can’t always be relying on him to save everything.
“David Moyes must have been furious to lose to Leeds last week. The Hammers top-four push has stuttered in recent weeks, and they really can’t afford too many more slip-ups, particularly in games they are favoured in.
“I’d expect a response from West Ham here. Strangely, they often perform better against the big sides, it suits their style. I can see a 1-1 draw.”
Tough game
The Irons missed out on a chance to further consolidate their place in the top-four last weekend, suffering a deserved 3-2 loss to Leeds.
They need to immediately bounce back, but that will not be easy against Man Utd.
The Theatre of Dreams outfit are also keen on finishing in the Champions League places, and today’s game could have a huge say on their chances.
They ran out winners the last time they met in the Premier League this season, but West Ham revenged by dumping them out of the League Cup.
A tough clash is surely on the cards, and Moyes could be handed some boosts, with Kurt Zouma and Tomas Soucek both in contention for the game.
The hosts have some injury worries, and that should play into the visitors’ hands.
Having the France international centre-back return after several weeks out will do the London side a lot of good given how Issa Diop and Craig Dawson have both failed to perform up to expectations.
In other West Ham news, an amazing attacker is making personal arrangements for Hammers switch in January.
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