[EPL] Man Utd 3-0 West Ham

[rondwisan]

22/02/2010 14:07 - ManUtd.com, Gemma Thompson
Match Pack: West Ham



After defeat at Everton, United will want to bounce back with a victory over the Hammers who are chasing a third successive win...

Form guide: United's 3-1 defeat at Everton - their sixth of the campaign - was their first league loss since the 3-0 reverse at Fulham in mid-December. The Reds will be buoyed by their recent record against West Ham which has yielded four wins from four. The Hammers remain just four points off the relegation zone, but back-to-back wins over Birmingham and Hull have boosted confidence in Zola's squad. Nevertheless, they have struggled on their travels this season, winning just one of 13 away games.

Ins and outs: The Reds are without the suspended Nani and the injured Ryan Giggs (arm), but Rio Ferdinand is available after completing a four-match ban. He could partner Nemanja Vidic - who was on the bench at Everton - following the Serbian's recovery from a niggling calf problem. West Ham are still without the injured Luis Boa Morte, Zavon Hines and Herita Ilunga (all knee), Callum Davenport (leg) and Danny Gabbidon (hamstring), while Benni McCarthy (knee) is a doubt. Kieron Dyer could be in contention for a return after coming through training over the weekend.

Star man: Carlton Cole is the Hammers' leading goalscorer this season with nine goals, including two in his last two games. The England international, who began his career with Chelsea, is a powerful and pacey striker who can be a real handful for defenders.

Manager: Zola arrived at Upton Park in September 2008 and, despite a sticky start, led the Hammers to ninth in the table last season. They struggled early on this season, winning just one of their opening ten league games and the Italian's quest to steady the Hammers' ship was not helped by a string of injuries to key players and the continuing financial uncertainty surrounding the club. The recent takeover by the two Davids - Gold and Sullivan - has helped bring some welcome stability to the club, off the pitch at least.

Referee: Alan Wiley was last in charge of a United game at the end of last year when the Reds won 3-1 at Hull on 27 December. He also officiated United's 2-2 draw against Sunderland and the Reds' 1-0 defeat at Burnley back in August. Wiley has handed out four red cards in 28 games, including one to Sunderland's Kieran Richardson in the clash with United at Old Trafford.

Rivals watch: United and West Ham are the only teams in action this week after the fixture was rearranged from this weekend due to United's involvement in the Carling Cup final on Sunday. Chelsea host Manchester City on Saturday lunchtime, while Arsenal travel to Stoke for the day's tea-time kick-off.