West Ham v. Manchester United Preview

Top of the table and on top of their form, Manchester United travel to East London to take on the Hammers in Sunday's late fixture. It is very likely that they will be making the trip as second in the table, as Liverpool have to travel to reeling Pompey on Saturday.

While United dispatched the Hammers in the first fixture of the year by a score of 2-0 at Old Trafford, a visit to Upton Park is never easy. United have lost at Upton Park their last two trips. Last year Cristiano Ronaldo found the net on a crisp header to give United the lead, then he failed to hit the frame from the penalty spot in the second half which would have killed the game. West Ham were resurgent and somehow found the net twice to beat United.

Zola has the Hammers playing good football and Carlton Cole is on great form at the moment, scoring six times in his last seven matches. The question on my mind is how will this game look after a quarter of an hour has passed? Will Zola put all 10 men behind the ball, or will he spread it out and look for Cole to net a goal or two?

One thing is for sure, United possibly have their best back four in history. Van Der Sar looks more like he's closer to 30 than closer to 40. They haven't given up a goal in the league in 12 matches and are looking to set further records in doing so.

So perhaps the question is; Will West Ham be able to score?

Barring a complete disaster (I'm thinking the catastrophe that led to a Ferdinand backheel onto the path of Roque Santa Cruz last year at Ewood Park), I don't think West Ham have the prowess to break the streak.

Now United have not been putting in a ton of goals this season, with the exception of the 5-0 drubbing of West Brom. But with the defense playing like they are, United only need one—and I think they will get it.

Prediction: West Ham 0 United 2