Manchester United vs West Ham: Premier League match preview

A look ahead to Saturday’s Premier League fixture at Old Trafford

After a full week’s rest since their humiliating 5-3 defeat to Leicester City last weekend, Manchester United will be eager to record only their second Premier League win of the season when West Ham United visit Old Trafford.

The Red Devils’ midweek schedule was left blank after their shameful second round League Cup defeat to League One side Milton Keynes Dons, but it’s the league manager Louis van Gaal must now turn his attention to after the Red Devils slipped into the bottom half of the table after last weekend’s second defeat of the league season.

Meanwhile West Ham United climbed up to eighth in the top-flight after a thoroughly impressive 3-1 victory over last season’s runners-up Liverpool at Upton Park.

Sam Allardyce’s side have won and lost twice so far this season, drawing the other, including a comfortable 3-1 win away to Crystal Palace last month.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

West Ham United 0 Manchester United 2 (Rooney 2), Premier League, March 2014

Manchester United 3 (Welbeck, Januzaj, Young) West Ham United 1 (Cole), Premier League, December 2013

West Ham United 2 (Vaz Te, Diame) Manchester United 2 (Valencia, Van Persie), Premier League April 2013

Sam Allardyce (Getty Images)

STATS…

Manchester United have drawn the largest attendance in the Premier League so far this season, 75,355 in their 4-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers.

West Ham United midfielder Stewart Downing is the Premier League’s joint third highest playmaker after assisting three goals so far this season.

Manchester United defender Tyler Blackett is the Premier League’s joint worst disciplined so far this season having picked up two yellow cards and one red card.

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has scored nine goals in his last nine appearances against West Ham United.

West Ham United have failed to win at Old Trafford in their last seven visits, with their last victory coming in May 2007.

Manchester United are unbeaten in their last seven meetings with West Ham United, winning five of them.

ODDS…

Manchester United to win: 1.33

West Ham United to win: 9

Draw: 5

CLASSIC MOMENT/MATCH

Manchester United extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to seven points after staging a remarkable comeback from two-nil down to defeat West Ham United 4-2 on April 2 during the 2010-11 season at Upton Park.

Mark Noble’s two first-half penalties had given the Hammers an encouraging lead at the break, but Wayne Rooney’s stupendous second-half hat-trick, plus a late strike from Javier Hernandez completed a marvellous turn around for the eventual champions.

TV: Highlights on BBC 1 from 10.30pm on Saturday.