Premier League: Race for Europe Heats Up at Old Trafford

Manchester United vs West Ham United

This may be only a battle between the sides currently placed seventh and sixth in the Premier League, but the outcome of Sunday afternoon’s encounter at Old Trafford could prove very important come the final standings.

Just a point separates the teams as they chase a European berth.

For Manchester United, a top four finish is a big ask but remains the aim and, with the return of key players such as Casemiro, Luke Shaw, and Lisandro Martinez in the past week, can still be achieved.

While failure to secure that would be a big blow, qualification for European competition of any kind would be a fine achievement for West Ham, and they will know that sixth spot guarantees a spot in the Europa League (a competition they are already in this season) next term.

Talking Points

The only goal in the corresponding fixture last term was scored by Marcus Rashford so how fitting would it be if he could prove the matchwinner again after a few days when he has been in the headlines for the wrong reasons.

He certainly has some making up to do to boss Erik ten Hag who has backed him in good and difficult times.

Rashford’s form has been patchy for a number of seasons now, though he excelled in his first season under the Dutch manager and can do so again.

He returned to the starting XI with a goal at Molineux on Thursday night in a contest full of Premier League 2024 highlights.

To say their 4-3 success at Wolves was dramatic would be an understatement.

Academy product Kobbie Mainoo scored the winner in the 97^th minute, just two minutes after Wolves had drawn level from 3-1 down with five minutes of normal time remaining.

It was a match which showed United at their best and worst and, while they deserved to win, inconsistencies will need to be ironed out if they are to start climbing the table.

The Hammers were also in action on the same evening as James Ward-Prowse’s second-half penalty rescued a point for West Ham against Bournemouth.

That cancelled out an early opener for Dominic Solanke after he capitalised on a poor back pass by debutant Kalvin Phillips, on loan from champions Manchester City.

He seems a shrewd acquisition for the remainder of the campaign and strengthen the Hammers’ midfield, especially given they have lost Lucas Paqueta to injury.

The Hammers have now failed to win any of their opening five games in a calendar year for the first time since 2010, though they are still in a very credible sixth spot in the table.

At the time of writing, it remains to be seen if there are any doubts after Thursday night’s matches and a quick turnaround may well be pivotal to decide who emerges victorious in a fixture littered with history and tradition.

History

Overall, United have 73 victories in their clashes compared to West Ham’s 48 with a further 32 draws.

West Ham enjoyed a 2-0 home victory over an injury-hit United last month when Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus scored twice in six second half minutes.

They also beat them at home 1-0 in the league last season, while United won at Old Trafford in both the Premier League (1-0, courtesy of a Rashford header) and FA Cup (3-1) – the second time in three years they had sent them packing in the competition.

The last time they won at Old Trafford in the league was on the final day of the 2006-07 season when future Red Devil Carlos Tevez scored the only goal of the game to ensure West Ham’s top-flight status with United already crowned champions.

Betting Tip

Looking at the SBOTOP Premier League 2024 betting odds, I fancy a repeat of last season’s 1-0 home win, which is available @ 8.50 with Correct Score.

Or can West Ham secure a league double over the Red Devils for the first time since that 2006-07 campaign?

United can also be backed 1X2 @ 1.70 and Asian Handicap -0.75 @ 1.98.

The draw is on offer @ 3.73.

Given there’s only been three goalless draws between the sides since 1987, it’s worth looking at Over 3.00 goals @ 2.08, Total Goals 0-1 @ 4.15, 2-3 @ 1.99, and 4-6 @ 2.77.

The Hammers can be backed 1X2 @ 4.10 and Asian Handicap +0.75 @ 1.92.

I am going to plump for a home win.

 

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.