Manchester United v West Ham: Betting preview, free tip and TV details

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Manchester United v West Ham in the Premier League on Wednesday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Premier League, 6pm Wednesday

Best bet

Manchester United to win & both teams to score
2pts 17-10 Betway

Team news

Manchester United
Eric Bailly is out following his clash of heads at Wembley on Sunday, but Luke Shaw (ankle) might be able to return.

West Ham
Robert Snodgrass remains unavailable and is likely to be joined on the sidelines by right-back Ryan Fredericks.

Match preview

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will have been dismayed to see his tinkering fall flat in the FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea, and while there was logic behind his Wembley alterations the Manchester United manager is now under pressure to ensure the gamble pays off elsewhere.

While England's most prestigious domestic cup may not carry the clout it once did, having an FA Cup title to point to would have been a significant boost to Solskjaer's threadbare CV.

But removing Paul Pogba, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood from the starting line-up backfired badly for the Norwegian, who must prove it was the right call to prioritise a top-four place and a shot at Europa League glory.

And while the return of key men and the restoration of a 4-2-3-1 set-up that has served United well in recent weeks should ensure the hosts get the result they need against West Ham, the sight of the visitors cutting loose in recent matches will be a concern.

The Hammers arrive in swashbuckling form and it would be a disservice to claim they went on the front foot only once the threat of relegation had receded. Indeed, though it would require a freakish set of circumstances, West Ham are not officially safe yet.

But the claret and blue renaissance has been building for some time with Moyes' men overcoming a nervy restart to score two or more goals in four of their last five outings. A 3-2 clattering of Chelsea at Stamford kick-started their comeback, with Moyes eschewing the mercurial talents of Felipe Anderson and instead settling on a more reliable forward three to graft and craft a platform on which the irrepressible Michail Antonio could shine.

And how the former Nottingham Forest forward has revelled in his free role up front. His tally was two goals in 17 appearances pre-lockdown but he has scored seven times in his last five matches.

West Ham's new-found ruthlessness on the break and their strength at set-pieces looks the perfect combination for a smash-and-grab raid against a Manchester United side whose weakness undoubtedly lies within their vulnerable backline.

However, Solskjaer's men retain a clear edge in quality overall and have the added motivation of a top-four finish to aim for. But their frailty in defence, particularly the form of goalkeeper David de Gea, suggests the front men may once again have to bail out the Red Devils' rearguard.

Key stat

West Ham have scored on four of their last five visits to Old Trafford.

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