Earlier this season, West Ham were the giant-killers of the league, beating Arsenal and Liverpool and Manchester City and Chelsea. More recently, though, they’ve struggled against the less-titanic teams of the EPL, failing to win their last four games. Now, though, they’ve got a huge opponent again, with a trip to Old Trafford and Manchester United. Does that mean that the Hammers are about to return to their giant-killing ways? We shall see.
Manchester United vs. West Ham 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch EPL online
Manchester United can move into first place with a little bit of luck, but they need to beat West Ham first.
Chris Brunskill/Getty Images
In the meantime, Manchester will be hoping to return to first place. They’re only one point behind table-topping Leicester City and Manchester City, and Louis Van Gaal will be eager to prove his worth by reclaiming that spot. Now, even with a win West Ham will still be relying on friendly results in City’s and Leicester’s matches, but the only thing they can control is their own result. That means that the only way they can help themselves is with a win, so that must be their only goal for this match: win, no matter what.
Key player -- Anthony Martial (Manchester United)
Wayne Rooney is out. Ander Herrera is out. Jesse Lingard is hurting. Juan Mata is tired. Manchester are going to have to rely heavily on Martial once more in this match to keep their attack rolling. That’s not a plan that’s always gone well for then this season -- sometimes the teenager has risen to the challenge, and others he’s fallen short. United fans will be hoping that today will be one of those better days.
Key matchup -- Morgan Schneiderlin (Manchester United) vs. Manuel Lanzini (West Ham)
With Dimitri Payet out for some time, the creative burden in West Ham’s attack falls on Laznini. The on-loan Argentine has done well for the Hammers so far this season, and is behind only Payet on their scoring charts. That means that Schneiderlin will be focusing on him to help Manchester keep Lanzini at bay -- and since the Frenchman has been enjoying an excellent season so far, Louis Van Gaal has to like his chances to get the job done.
Manchester United injuries and suspensions
Out: Marcos Rojo, Wayne Rooney, Ander Herrera, Phil Jones, Antonio Valencia, Luke Shaw In doubt: Jesse Lingard
West Ham United injuries and suspensions
Out: Diafra Sakho, Enner Valencia, Dimitri Payet In doubt: Darren Randolph
The injury hits keep coming for Manchester, who just got news that Rojo will be out for awhile with a bad shoulder injury, and that Rooney’s once-minor ankle knock will actually keep him out for at least two matches. West Ham don’t have many injuries, but the ones they do have hurt -- the long-term absences of Sakho, Valencia, and especially Payet absolutely gut their attack.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 10 a.m. ET, 3 p.m. local
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
TV: NBCSN (U.S. - English), NBC Universo (U.S. - Spanish), Sportsnet World (Canada)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada)
See More:
