Prediction: Both Teams To Score and Manchester United to Win
Odds: 9/5
Bookmaker: Betfair
Manchester United continue their pursuit of a 13th FA Cup crown on Tuesday evening as they host in-form West Ham United at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils are in somewhat stuttering form so focus on a trophy could be beneficial. Meanwhile, the Hammers are locked in a race for the European places but will be keen to claim a scalp as the quarter-finals come into focus.
Manchester United
Since leading the Premier League table, Manchester United have found life slightly more difficult. Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s late equaliser at Old Trafford on Saturday meant that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men had only won one of their last four matches. However, that win was a hugely impressive one as they swept aside nine-man Southampton 9-0 to match their record Premier League win. Having not won the FA Cup since the 2015/16 season under Jose Mourinho, it goes without saying that the Red Devils will have their eyes firmly fixed on lifting the trophy. They have not failed to reached the quarter-finals of the competition since 2013/14 and will be looking to continue that record against West Ham. United have already managed to beat Watford and Liverpool in the competition so far this season and possess a ten-game unbeaten run at Old Trafford in the FA Cup so will of course be relatively confident as they prepare to host the Hammers.
Team News
With Premier League and UEFA Europa League already to contend with this season, Solskjaer could be tempted to rotate on Tuesday evening. The likes of Alex Telles, Dean Henderson and Donny van de Beek are pushing for inclusion so could be selected to start. The Norwegian has suggested that Paul Pogba, Harry Maguire and Eric Bailly could be rested. Phil Jones remains out for the clash.
West Ham United
In what has been an extraordinary season for West Ham United under David Moyes, a cup run would also be a huge positive. The three-time winners of the FA Cup have already gone further in the competition than they have managed in the past four seasons having not progressed past the fourth round since the 2015/16 season. Their run in this season’s edition has seen them so far not concede a goal having beaten Stockport County 1-0 and Doncaster Rovers 4-0. It goes without saying then that the clash against the Red Devils is their biggest test in the competition so far. Worryingly though, they have not managed to beat a traditional ‘big six’ side in the FA Cup since a 2-1 extra-time success against Liverpool back in February 2016. In more promising news, their current form could give the Hammers reason to be optimistic as they head to Old Trafford. Moyes’ troops have only lost one match since the turn of the year, a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool, and have not lost on the road in any of their last six games in all competitions.
Team News
A boost to the West Ham team will be the inclusion of midfielder Tomas Soucek. The Czech was inexplicably sent off in the recent 0-0 draw against Fulham but has had his suspension rescinded so can now feature. Forward Michail Antonio is a doubt with fatigue and should he not make it in time, will join Arthur Masuaku on the sidelines who is still out with a knee injury.
Key Facts To Consider
- Manchester United have the better all-time head-to-head record between the two sides (W67, D32, L45)
- The Red Devils won the last game between the two 3-1
- West Ham have not beaten the Red Devils in any of their last five attempts in the FA Cup
- Manchester United have not won back-to-back games against West Ham since 2017
- In five matches against West Ham as a manager, Solskjaer’s teams have conceded on every occasion
Prediction: Both Teams To Score and Manchester United to Win
Odds: 9/5
Bookmaker: Betfair
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