Tuesday 29 November 2016

Match preview: United v West Ham, Part II...

Hello again.

Three days after they shared the Old Trafford spoils, the Reds and the Hammers meet again for a place in the League Cup semi-finals. 

The fact that we met so recently adds additional intrigue to the encounter: will Sunday's frustrations provide extra motivation for United, or will Slaven Bilic's side be buoyed by escaping with a point? 

The tie must be settled on the night - extra-time penalties are possible if needed - and there looks set to be two much-changed line ups from the weekend's meeting.

Paul Pogba and Marouane Fellaini are both suspended after both picked up their fifth bookings of the season, so Mourinho will need to decide his midfield combination.
There are no new injuries and Michael Carrick could be available again after he missed Sunday through injury.
Anthony Martial and Luke Shaw are both in contention for a recall after being left out of the squad completely at the weekend. 

Sunday's goalscorer Diafra Sakho went off injured and is a doubt which could mean former United academy product Ashley Fletcher could start.
Winston Reid is set to return from suspension and is likely to feature while man of the match Darren Randolph will retain his place in goal. 

The Hammers are familiar opponents in the domestic cups after we knocked them out on route to Wembley, after a replay, last season.
The last time we played in this competition also came at the quarter-final stage when they ran out 4-0 winners at Upton Park over a hybrid United side. 

"It is positive that we are playing on Wednesday, against the same team, because it is another opportunity to win" said Reds 'midfielder' Ander Herrera.
"It is a different competition but that does not matter because we want to win every game to make our fans proud, they are unbelievable.
"We have been very unlucky but we have to keep playing well and the results will come, it was tough at the weekend but we have the chance to get revenge so that is what we will do."

Arsenal host Saints, Leeds travel to Liverpool and the lowest ranked side left, Newcastle, play Hull in the other quarter-final ties. 

Form guide: United D L W D W D West Ham W W L D L D 
Match odds: 12/4 Draw 18/9 West Ham 6/1
Referee: Mike Jones (Chester) 









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