West Ham v Man United: Visitors to inch closer to title

 

This televised clash at Upton Park should see Manchester United edge their hosts, writes Christian Crowther...

 

West Ham v Man United, Wednesday 19:45, Sky Sports 2, Match Odds: West Ham 6.0, Man United 1.67, The Draw 4.0

 

This game sees champions elect Manchester United visit the all-but-safe Hammers for the second time this season and represents the sides' fourth meeting in 2012/13.

 

Of course, the teams have only met once in the Premier League - a 1-0 win for Man United at Old Trafford - but Robin van Persie's FA Cup third-round equaliser in the capital ensured a replay, where the Red Devils triumphed by the same narrow scoreline.

 

Taking everything into account, the Irons have performed admirably against their distinguished guests this season and, in particular, will take great encouragement from coming so close to beating them in that dramatic cup encounter.

 

Back to the present, and after an acceptable stumble against their noisy neighbours, Sir Alex Ferguson's men restored order to the universe by defeating Stoke on Sunday and, in doing so, tightened the knot around a 13th Premier League title.

 

Like so many of their league victories since the turn of the year, Manchester United were competent and controlling rather than fluid and flamboyant as we've seen in many a title-winning season gone by.

 

As the weeks tick by towards their inevitable triumph, their method of victory has owed more to constriction than a venomous bite, typified by 1-0 wins over Reading and Sunderland.

 

West Ham finally have an in-form Andy Carroll in their ranks, which has contributed to their recent good form, though the leaders' extra quality and record of eight straight league wins over the Hammers still suggests that an away win is the most likely result.

 

Win to nil

 

As Opta inform us, West Ham have failed to score in six of their last seven Premier League games against Man United and, in the one they did net in, both goals came courtesy of the penalty spot. Ferguson's men have won 12 of their 16 away games in the Premier League this season and their recipe for road success of late has stemmed from keeping clean sheets. The 2-0 win at Stoke was their fourth straight shutout in the league away from Old Trafford.

 

To Score

 

Wayne Rooney has scored eight goals in 10 Premier League appearances for Manchester United against the Hammers according to Opta and also netted in their 1-0 FA Cup replay win over West Ham in January. The Red Devils number 10 relished his deeper role against Stoke but still managed to arrive in threatening positions, and clearly relishes a date with the Irons.

 

Best Bet: Back Man United to win to nil @ 2.7

Other Recommended Bet: Back Wayne Rooney to score @ 2.88

 

Bet HERE

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