Premier League: West Ham v Manchester United match preview

A look ahead to tonight's Premier League fixture at Upton Park

Robin van Persie celebrates his goal against Stoke with Sir Alex Ferguson (GETTY IMAGES)

The good news is that West Ham are most likely safe, nestled in the middle of the pack at 12th place thanks to a decent record at home and a knack of picking up points. The bad news is that they welcome Manchester United tonight, fresh from exercising the demons of that derby loss to City and looking likely to force Robin van Persie back onto the scoring track after giving him a penalty to dispatch against Stoke on Sunday.

Sir Alex Ferguson has got his team a game closer to that trophy with their eighth win in nine, and they have had impressive form on the road only losing twice away from home in the league, those losses coming against Norwich and Everton.

Sam Allardyce is more inclined to settle with six matches left, proud of how his team have done this season. "We have 38 points and are in a nice position in the league,” he said after last week’s draw with Southampton.  “We have four games at home, two away, and our home form has been good this season. We should finish strongly.”

KICK-OFF:Wednesday, 7.45pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Manchester United 1 (Rooney) West Ham 0, FA Cup, January 2013

West Ham 2 (Collins 2) Manchester United 2 (Cleverley, Van Persie), FA Cup, January 2013

Manchester United 1 (Van Persie) West Ham 0, Premier League, November 2012

STATS…

Manchester United last lost on the road in the league in November of last year, losing to Norwich 1-0.

There have been four penalties scored in the last three league games between the pair, with the last goal West Ham scored against United in the league coming from the spot.

In the last three league appearances against West Ham, Robin Van Persie has scored four times. He is also the first player to score more than 11 goals away from home in three separate seasons.

Andy Carroll has scored three goals in his last two outings.

Jussi Jääskeläinen has made 134 saves this season, more than any other ‘keeper.

ODDS…

West Ham to win: 6

Manchester United to win: 1.68

Draw: 4

TV: Live on Sky Sports 2 at 7.45pm