MATCH PREVIEW: West Ham United vs. Manchester United
by CPC on Nov 29, 2010 5:15 PM GMT
in Manchester United: Carling Cup
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STARTING 11:
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R. Green
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E. van der Sar | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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L. Jacobsen
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Rafael | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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J. Tomkins
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M. Upson
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D. Gabbidon
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V. Behrami
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Nani | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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P. Barrera
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S. Parker
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Anderson | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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J. Stanislas
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30
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F. Piquionne
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V. Obinna
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W. Rooney | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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So let's start with facts: West Ham haven't beaten Manchester United since December 29, 2007 (7 matches ago); they also haven't scored a goal on United since May 3, 2008 (6 matches ago). Those are all Premier League games and the only time they've been paired in this competition was in the 3rd round of the 85-86 League Cup, when United won 1-0 before being eliminated in the next round by Liverpool.
Before Saturday's win vs. Wigan, West Ham were on a winless streak of 5 going back to the last round of this competition where they beat Stoke City 3-1.
Take those facts and add in that West Ham are currently bottom of the Premier League table and you can see why I might be so optimistic about United's prospects Tuesday night at Upton Park.
West Ham will likely field a strong lineup, as this may be their only realistic chance at silverware and Avram Grant will be looking to find that magic that saw him lead Portsmouth to the FA Cup Final last season, even though they too were at the bottom of the table.
Manchester United, on the other hand, are unbeaten in 29 games in all competitions, which is even more impressive considering how bland they've looked most of the season. Unlike West Ham, United probably won't field a first-team like lineup, though any lineup United put forth will be fairly strong.
Here's my projected starting 11: Kuszczak; Fabio, Vidic, Smalling, Neville; Park, Gibson, Carrick; Anderson, Hernandez, Bebe. Fletcher may get the start if he's healthy. The bench could likely see Amos, Brown, Obertan, Macheda, and take your pick of Eikrem or Dudgeon. I'd imagine a clearer picture of tomorrow's lineup will be available following the Reserves fixture vs. Oldham later.
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| vs. Stoke City |
3-1
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4
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vs. Wolverhampton |
3-2
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| at Sunderland |
2-1
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3
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at Scunthorpe United |
5-2
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| vs. Oxford United |
1-0
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2
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DNP |
DNP
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5 comments
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Comments
I would like to see Rooney get a run out
I think he needs minutes on the pitch right now to get sharp. Providing he is over those knocks he took on the weekend and is fully fit I think it would be good to get him an hour or so against WestHam and then a full match against Blackpool at the weekend. Then we can get him some rest in the Champions League if need be. I think that would be the best way to have him be sharp and rearing to go against Arsenal. Especially with that Arsenal match being on a Monday.
"We love them, We mourn for them, Unlucky boys of Red" - Morrissey
"Giggs gets past Viera, past Dixon, who comes back at him, it's a wonderful run from GIGGS!!!" - Martin Tyler
Nucks Misconduct Chief Curmudgeon, Chief Hunk and Chief Drama Queen.
by Section 312 on Nov 29, 2010 5:55 PM GMT reply actions
Rooney played all 90 in the last two games
I think it’s likely he’ll start against Blackpool. The Valencia game isn’t a throw away game like other matchday 6 games have been in the past…United need at least a point to take the group, so I’d imagine he’ll start that game as well. The Arsenal game is 6 days after that, so there’ll be plenty of time for rest before then. Taking all of that into consideration, I think he’s more likely to come off the bench against West Ham, rather than start, if he plays at all.
Visit SB Nation's Manchester United Blog: The Busby Babe
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Well exactly
he played all 90 in the last two games because it’s clear he needs as much time on the pitch as possible. Get him an hour against West Ham then he gets a few days off before the weekend. He can play the full 90 against Blackpool and suddenly he should be back to something like full match sharpness. Then you can use him how you want against Valencia. If he is feeling good play him a lot in that match since he will have time to rest before Arsenal. If he is starting to feel a little tired then use him as a sub against Valencia. We haven’t conceded a goal yet in the Champions League so I don’t see getting a draw as being that difficult.
"We love them, We mourn for them, Unlucky boys of Red" - Morrissey
"Giggs gets past Viera, past Dixon, who comes back at him, it's a wonderful run from GIGGS!!!" - Martin Tyler
Nucks Misconduct Chief Curmudgeon, Chief Hunk and Chief Drama Queen.
by Section 312 on Nov 29, 2010 9:21 PM GMT up reply actions
Incidentally
how many other players would get the kind of attention we’re paying to Rooney? We’re sitting here, schedule in hand, planning out his playing time over the next 4 or 5 matches. I think it’s pretty funny, to be honest.
Visit SB Nation's Manchester United Blog: The Busby Babe
Follow us on Twitter @thebusbybabe
Well that's because he is our best player
and if our unbeaten run is going to continue and trophies are going to be won he needs to be healthy and contributing. Look how much better he makes the players around him including Berba. I think Anderson should get a run of games as well but it’s not as vital with him because of people like Carrick, Fletcher and Scholes.
"We love them, We mourn for them, Unlucky boys of Red" - Morrissey
"Giggs gets past Viera, past Dixon, who comes back at him, it's a wonderful run from GIGGS!!!" - Martin Tyler
Nucks Misconduct Chief Curmudgeon, Chief Hunk and Chief Drama Queen.
by Section 312 on Nov 30, 2010 6:57 PM GMT up reply actions
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