Premier League: Another Hammer Blow On The Way for Jose?

West Ham vs Manchester United

Timing is everything in football, and when Manuel Pellegrini’s West Ham entertain Manchester United on Saturday, the time could be just perfect for the Hammers.

After starting their Premier League campaign with four defeats, West Ham have put in two fine performances and the momentum could take them through to another result at home against United.

All is not well at Old Trafford. Immediately before the Red Devils’ recent victory at Burnley, there was a whisper around that Jose had to win that game to avoid an ultimatum from the owners. Three consecutive victories seemed to have taken the heat off but then two home draws, against a newly promoted team and a Championship outfit, have fanned the flames of disquiet.

Don’t get me wrong, Wolves and Derby County are good sides, but this is Manchester United we’re talking about!

Talking Points

The Red Devils might be relieved to be away from Old Trafford this weekend. However, the London Stadium is going to be packed by a passionate crowd with renewed love for their heroes in Claret, so a game against West Ham, at this moment in time, is far from ideal.

I’m sure the coach’s torment has been making too much Premier League 2018 news for the Manchester United owners liking, not to mention the fans who just want to get back to seeing reports of their expensive squad winning football games. But they have just watched their team get dumped out of the Carabao Cup.

Championship side Derby are no mugs—managed by Frank Lampard and with quality running right through its team. It must have hurt Jose that this heavy blow was dealt by a former disciple of his at Chelsea, as Lampard became one of the best box-to-box midfielders in world football under Mourinho’s tuition.

Now, while the United boss tries to mastermind another comeback at the London Stadium, he has a rather less faithful midfield man to contend with. His best player at Old Trafford, Paul Pogba, has upset the boss (again) with his comments criticising Manchester United’s lack of attacking ambition against Wolves. The World Cup winner has been stripped of the vice-captaincy, and I can’t help thinking he’s moving ever closer towards the Old Trafford exit door.

Manchester United need a Premier League boost despite the ongoing Jose Mourinho-Paul Pogba spat — Manager Jose Mourinho talks with Paul Pogba after Manchester United’s Premier League loss to Tottenham Hotspur

The Red Devils’ boss made a point of slapping Pogba down in front of the cameras at United’s training ground. He is a past master in man-management, but I suspect he may have met his match this time.

And if Jose wants to motivate his team, he’d better steer clear of the Premier League 2018 odds which show them drifting alarmingly out of the reckoning.

Meanwhile, West Ham got their season going with a win over Everton and a highly impressive draw with Chelsea, when keeper Lukasz Fabianski had a great game.

Then a home Carabao Cup tie against Macclesfield gave Pellegrini a chance to see some of his second string and wow, did they perform? The Hammers recorded their biggest win in 35 years, sending the minnows back home with an 8-0 spanking. Robert Snodgrass enjoyed his new lease of life under Pellegrini and repaid the coach with a brace.

The Hammers’ biggest goal threat comes in the form of summer recruit Andriy Yarmolenko, who scored a double against Everton and could, probably should, have scored a winner against Chelsea. Marko Arnautovic is doubtful as he recovers from a knee injury.

And the early season form of defensive midfielder Declan Rice is getting the West Ham fans all excited. The 19-year old was voted the Hammers’ young player of the year last season, and he could be set for a sparkling career—maybe even at the London Stadium.

History

Manchester United have a glittering history against West Ham, beating them with alarming regularity and winning 31 out of 51 meetings. In contrast, the Hammers have managed just six victories.

Of course, West Ham hves a more modest legacy, though their fans will tell you they did win the 1966 World Cup, thanks to Geoff Hurst, Martin Peters and the great Bobby Moore!

Recent history might tell us more though. At the end of last season, the two teams drew 0-0 at the London Stadium as the Hammers battled their way to safety under David Moyes. However, at the start of the season, the Red Devils handed out a thrashing with Romelu Lukaku scoring twice and Pogba going on target.

Betting Tip

	West Ham vs Manchester United	Double Chance – West Ham or Draw @ 1.87
	September 29, 19:30(GMT+8)

The SBOBET odds have Manchester United at 1.86 to win, and when you look at the two teams they should, on paper, collect the three points. How will Pogba react? Will he even be playing? I’d normally expect Manchester United to win when the chips are down, but West Ham are currently on the crest of a wave.

Either way, I think it will be a nervy affair and, for an alternative bet, a first-half draw is available at 2.25.