West Ham think at least seven stars could be missing for the crucial clash with Manchester United this weekend.
The stakes always seem to be high in any Premier League game nowadays.
When it comes to this weekend’s meeting between West Ham and Man United, though, they really are.
Julen Lopetegui has a target on his head after West Ham’s shambolic 4-1 defeat at Spurs.
Ex West Ham assistant coach Edin Terzic is said to have been put on standby to take over by the Hammers board.
Manchester United have looked an improved side of late.
But speculation is still rife that Erik ten Hag is facing the sack at the next sign of adversity.
As a result, some have dubbed the Hammers’ match against the Red Devils ‘El Sackico’.
Pressure on as West Ham welcome Man United for ‘El Sackico’
Man United’s hopes were given a major boost when West Ham’s best player was ruled out of the game.
Mohammed Kudus saw red at Spurs and did the Manchester Reds a favour as the star boy is now banned for at least three – and more likely six – games.
There has been some concern in east London after the club released training footage ahead of the visit of Manchester United.
Because three key Hammers players were nowhere to be seen.
Now there could be some much welcome good news for the Irons.
West Ham think seven stars could be missing for the crucial Man United clash.
The Hammers have published their official preview for the huge match with Man United.
West Ham appear very confident that the visitors have their own problems, though.
West Ham think seven stars could be missing for Man United
The club’s media team has listed four Manchester United stars who are definitely out.
And a further three very key players, the preview says, are considered big doubts.
“Manchester United could be missing a number of players for the trip to London Stadium,” West Ham state in their official preview.
“Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro and Mason Mount are long-term absentees, while there are doubts surrounding the fitness of Jonny Evans, Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo.
“Matthijs de Ligt and Casemiro, meanwhile, are both fit and ready to feature at time of writing.”
The last part of the preview is spot on with Casemiro and De Ligt named in the Man United squad for their Europa League clash with Fenerbahce on Thursday night.
If this team news proves accurate, that could see the visitors potentially line up like this against the Hammers:
Onana; Dalot, De Ligt, Martinez, Mazraoui; Casemiro, Eriksen, Fernandes, Garnacho, Rashford, Hojlund.
That’s still a dangerous team West Ham might face.
But it’s certainly there to be got at in defence.
West Ham vs Manchester United head-to-head record
What do the history books say about this fixture?
There have been some iconic games, goals and moments in matches between West Ham and Manchester United down the years.
This will be the 155th meeting of the Hammers and Red Devils.
As you might expect given their long period of Premier League dominance, Man United have won the lion’s share with 74 victories to West Ham’s 48.
There have been 32 draws.
Should that become 33 it might just be enough to keep both men in a job for the foreseeable future.
But a heavy defeat for either and it could be curtains.
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