Statistical Preview: West Ham vs Manchester United

Manchester United fans, players and boss David Moyes will all be hoping that their side's impressive Champions League win over Olympiakos can be a turning point in their disappointing season.  In a rollercoaster week which has seen the Reds lose to bitter rivals Liverpool at home 3-0 before over turning a 2 goal deficit to defeat Olympiakos in the Champions League, Moyes’ men will be hoping to gain a much needed 3 points against West Ham before their titanic clash with Manchester City.

Wayne Rooney responded to what he described as the nightmare of losing to Liverpool with an impressive demonstration of his ability against Olympiakos. The England star made 37 attacking contributions (shots on target, passes, crosses and dribbles) against Liverpool but failed to inspire a struggling United side.  The 28 year-old has 11 Premier League goals this season, joint first with Dutchman Robin Van Persie who bagged a hat-trick at Old Trafford last night before going off injured. United fans will be hoping that, with Van Persie’s potential absence from this week's must win game, Rooney will continue to justify his price tag with another impressive performance against West Ham.

Michael Carrick will prove integral to United’s attacking creativity this weekend.  The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that the England international has completed 775 passes in the opposition half so far this season and has made an impressive 786 attacking contributions (shots on target, dribbles, crosses and passes in the opposition half); the most at the club.

With skipper Nemanja Vidic suspended and England’s Chris Smalling out with a hamstring injury, defensive duties will rest on the shoulders of Phil Jones this weekend.  The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that the England international won 85.7% of his tackles last weekend against Liverpool; making 18 defensive contributions (tackles won, clearances, interceptions and blocks) in the process.  Jones has a tackle win percentage of 76.6% this season and has made 202 defensive contributions.

West Ham will be eager to put last week's frustrating defeat at the hands of Stoke behind them as they travel to Old Trafford.  Despite making the perfect start, the Hammers were unable to secure the win.  West Ham fans will be left frustrated following a penalty claim for handball against defender Marc Muniesa which was waved away by referee Craig Dawson.

With Old Trafford’s reputation as a fortress somewhat weakened in recent weeks and England hopeful Andy Carrol’s return to goal scoring ways, Hammer’s fans will be looking forward to their encounter with the Red Devils.  The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that the Englishman had a 66.7% shot accuracy rating against Stoke and made 17 attacking contributions (shots on target, crosses, passes and dribbles).

Mark Noble will be hoping to capitalise on United’s defensive woes this weekend.  With both Smalling and Vidic absent from the team sheet, he will be hoping to continue his fine attacking form this season which has seen him make 747 attacking contributions this season; 13 of which were against Stoke last weekend.

Sam Allardyce was less than complimentary about his sides defending against the second goal last week. The Hammers will be hoping to return to the impressive defensive form which has been one of their strong points this season.  The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that James Collins has made 383 defensive contributions (tackles won, clearances, blocks and interceptions) this season  whilst Guy Demel has won a staggering 93% of his tackles this season.  Both Demel and Collins will prove vital in containing the threats posed by Januzaj and Rooney.

Comments

[benard sikhomekho]

this is my line to play west ham united. de gea, butner, jones, rio, raphael, carrick, felaini, mata, rooney, nani,welbeck

[benard sikhomekho]

this is my line to play west ham united. de gea, butner, jones, rio, raphael, carrick, felaini, mata, rooney, nani,welbeck