Lee Dixon: United to nail the Hammers in Old Trafford replay

Lee Dixon is keeping it simple for United's home game against West Ham on Wednesday night, getting behind the home team in a variety of ways as he bids to build on the profit gained from Sunday's win over Liverpool

 

Did West Ham blow their big chance at Upton Park last time out? From everything we know about these two teams the answer has to be yes.

 

The Hammers were just minutes from a glorious come-from-behind win against the best team in the country, only to succumb to another bit of genius from Robin van Persie.

 

United are in the middle of an excellent season and it's very, very hard to see them messing up twice against inferior opposition on Wednesday night at Old Trafford. That is not meant as a slight on West Ham but Sir Alex Ferguson has built a fine vintage from the 2012-13 outfit. They have rarely messed up this season and even at heavy odds-on (1.36) they don't look  bad value.

 

Team news will undoubtedly affect the prices and you may want to wait for the lineups before betting, but even if deploying a second string team there is enough depth of the bench for United to emerge victorious.

 

West Ham are 10.0 to pull off a famous victory in 90 minutes. A 3-0 defeat at Sunderland on Saturday does not bode well, but could suggest that a few of Sam Allardyce's men have one eye on the Cup.

 

United were clearly troubled in the first match and one thing is for sure - the visitors have nothing to lose in a game that no-one thinks they will win.

 

The Claret and Blues have the weapons to hurt United and it wouldn't be a surprise were they to breach the home defence. Joe Cole was in inspired form at the Boleyn Ground, producing two pinpoint crosses for James Collins' goals. He didn't hit those heights at the Stadium of Light last time out and we don't know yet if he is a revitalised player under Big Sam, but the wide open spaces of Old Trafford should suit him.

 

Carlton Cole or possibly Marouane Chamakh should enjoy Cole's deliveries and whoever starts upfront for the Irons will be a harmless bet at a biggish price in the 'To Score' market.

 

Ultimately, this looks straightforward and I'm not going to try anything clever. Fergie's men beat a decent Liverpool side on Sunday and I can't see them struggling here. I think United will win and by a decent scoreline. Let's back the home team on the Asian Handicap (-1.5 goals) at 1.92 - if they win by two goals or more we have backed a winner. At the same price I will also take a chance on United winning at halftime and fulltime.

 

And one last bet - the Any Unquoted Correct Score at 4.2 - Old Trafford could well be in for a hatful of goals.

 

Recommended Bets

Back United -1.5 goals @ 1.92

Back United/United Halftime/Fulltime @ 1.92

Back Any Unquoted @ 4.2

 

Bet HERE

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