West Ham vs. Manchester United: Team News, Live Stream, TV Info, Ticket News
West Ham United versus Manchester United play a milestone fixture in English football on Tuesday night. It will, as has been widely discussed, be the Hammers' last ever game at the Boleyn Ground. "Upton Park" as it is often known has been the Irons' home since 1904, but next season they move to the Olympic Stadium, leaving behind a huge swathe of history.
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic said, per the Telegraph:
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"The game would be big anyway if it wasn't the last game at Upton Park because it means a lot to them and to us.
It's big in terms for them because if they beat us then they would be fourth, and it's big for us because if we want to secure the European spot we have to beat them.
It would have emotional even if one of those things is involved - now you have two of them, but there is nothing wrong with being emotional.
"
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal takes his side to the Boleyn Ground knowing that a win will be an enormous boost to his side's attempt to qualify for the Champions League. Anything less than a win would take matters out of the Red Devils' hands. He said, per ESPN FC:
"We have a lot of respect to West Ham United. We are not trying to spoil their party, but we do need the three points, that is different.
It will be a big night and an emotional night for them. It [playing the final game at Upton Park] is a negative for us. We have to play against an opponent who says goodbye to the stadium so they don't want to lose.
"
Manchester United managed to overcome the emotion of the Hammers' last FA Cup game at their long-standing home ground. Van Gaal needs his side to do the same in the league.
Date: Tuesday, 10 May
Time: 7.45 p.m. BST/2.45 p.m. ET
Venue: Boleyn Ground, London, England
TV Info: Sky Sports 1 (UK Only)/NBCSN, NBC Universo (U.S. only)
Live Stream: Sky Go (UK Only)/NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S. only)
Form Lines
West Ham United: DLDWWL
Manchester United: WWWWDW
Team News
James Ducker of the Telegraph reports that the Red Devils will be without Anthony Martial for this one. The France international was injured in the pre-match warm-up ahead of United's win over Norwich City on Saturday and, according to Ducker, "is facing a race against time to be fit for the club's final league match of the season against Bournemouth at Old Trafford."
The club's website report that Daley Blind and Marcus Rashford were rested against Norwich, so presumably should feature here. Marouane Fellaini remains suspended and Luke Shaw and Bastian Schweinsteiger remain out with long-term injuries. Matteo Darmian looked in a lot of pain as he was taken from the pitch against Norwich. As ManUtd.com say, "there must be a major doubt about [his] participation."
BBC Sport report that West Ham will have a fully fit squad barring the absence of goalkeeper Adrian.
Predicted Lineups
Bilic has plenty of options, but the above formation could see United's left-hand side put under pressure by Michail Antonio's physical presence. There are numerous alternative choices, including a 4-4-2 similar to that which Bilic deployed away from home against West Bromwich Albion. That saw Diafra Sakho play up front alongside Andy Carroll.
Also, Victor Moses could star ahead of James Tomkins with Antonio deployed at right back and Moses on the right wing.
The "maybe" spots in the above lineup include Michael Carrick—Morgan Schneiderlin could feature for the sake of rotation. Additionally at left-back it was Cameron Borthwick-Jackson who replaced Darmian when he went off injured against Norwich, but Marcos Rojo could feature assuming Blind is returned to centre-back.
Further forward, the selection of both Ander Herrera and Juan Mata has an aspect of hope over expectation to it. Van Gaal has proved loyal to Jesse Lingard who could be preferred to either—most likely Herrera, given Mata's goal against Norwich.
Players to Watch
Dimitri Payet, West Ham's creator-in-chief, has two assists in their last three games. His impact over the season has been a key part of the Hammers' above-expectation league performance.
However, the man of the moment is Carroll. The much-maligned forward has five goals and two assists in his past six games. Even taking out his hattrick against Arsenal, he has two goals and two assists in five. United are vulnerable from set pieces, and Carroll and Payet could prove a dangerous combination.
For United, Wayne Rooney really struggled up front against Norwich, though he did provide the assist for Mata's winner. Vintage Rooney would likely have scored the goal himself, though. Here, he should be returned to the advanced midfield role which he has executed so well since his return from injury.
Rashford scored a wonderful goal when these two teams met in the FA Cup sixth round replay, and Van Gaal could really do with him repeating that trick here.
Key Battle
Payet's battle with Carrick or Schneiderlin and Valencia could be key. If he is given space and time, he certainly has the tools to punish United. Valencia has played well since his return from a long absence, but Payet will provide a big test.
Elsewhere, Rashford got the better of West Ham's central defence in the FA Cup—though it took a moment of magic to do so. Their rematch could be crucial to the outcome.
Ticket News
For ticket information on all Premier League games, visit the official site or go to the ticket page on the home club's official website.
Odds
West Ham United: 103-50
Draw: 5-2
Manchester United: 37-25
Odds for the game correct at the time of writing, per Odds Shark.
