Image copyright: Getty Images
2022/23 English Premier League
Matchday 35
West Ham United v Manchester United
London Stadium
London, England
Sunday, 7 May 2023
Kick-off is at 18h00
Manchester United will attempt to cement their place in the top four when they travel to the capital to take on West Ham at the London Stadium in the late
Premier League kick-off on Sunday, May 7.
The Red Devils kept pace with Newcastle as they bounced back from a 2-2 draw at Tottenham last Thursday by beating Aston Villa 1-0 at Old Trafford three days later.
Eric ten Hag's side remain two points behind the Magpies in fourth place with a game in hand, having seen their top-four rivals secure a 3-1 victory over Southampton at St James' Park to hold onto third position.
Liverpool have emerged as a late potential contender for UEFA Champions League football after they edged Tottenham 4-3 at Anfield last Sunday to close within seven points of United, who have a game in hand on their fierce rivals.
Image copyright: Getty Images
The Hammers aren't theoretically safe yet after a 4-3 defeat at Crystal Palace last Saturday left them just four points clear of the relegation zone in 15th spot.
It was their second successive loss, having collected seven points from their previous three outings to give David Moyes' team some breathing room to the bottom three.
The East Londoners have a four-point cushion to Leicester (16th), Leeds (17th) and Nottingham Forest (18th) with a game in hand on the trio, while they are three adrift of Wolves (14th).
Lucas Paqueta has established himself as a first-team regular following his arrival from Lyon in August 2022 and scored in successive games against Bournemouth and Liverpool last month to take his tally for the season to four goals from 24 appearances as he continues to get to grips with English football.
Image copyright: Getty Images
Casemiro has been one of the signings of the season, such is the impact he's made at Old Trafford joining from Real Madrid in August 2022. The Brazilian anchorman got off to a slow start but quick won the United fans over with his all-action performances, while contributing two goals and three assists. He was unfortunate not to get on the scoresheet against Villa after rattling the crossbar in the first half.
In team news, Moyes has an almost fully-fit squad at his disposal, with only Gianluca Scamacca (knee) and Kurt Zouma (ankle) unavailable for selection. Meanwhile, Ten Hag continues to be without Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Alejandro Garnacho, Tom Heaton (all ankle), Donny van de Beek (knee) and Scott McTominay.
Moyes lamented another decision that went against the Hammers after VAR intervened to award Palace what the described as a "soft penalty" on 66 minutes when Nayef Aguerd was adjudged to have hauled down Eberechi Eze inside the area.
"VAR has prided itself on not giving soft penalty-kicks away this year, but that would go down as a very soft penalty," the Scot said.
"I'm more frustrated by the way we played the whole game. We didn't play well, Palace showed more quality, played better. Over the years I've prided myself on my teams being pretty hard to beat and play against, today we weren't hard to beat or play against. That is the most galling bit for me.
"But two huge decisions have gone against us this week which could have meant we didn't lose the points. It's fine lines at the moment between us getting something from games and not."
Ten Hag sang Casemiro's praises after another top-class display from the midfielder against the Villans in what was his third appearance since serving a three-match suspension for the red card he received for the visit of Southampton.
"I think that, in every season, you see no-one is always playing brilliant and playing at such a high level," the Dutchman said. "And maybe, some games, also by suspension, the rhythm is broken and then you have to get back.
"But today, this was the Casemiro we have seen almost all season, and he brings so much in organisation and composure and determination. His leadership is then so important for us because others go with him. He is an example."
Head-to-Head (Last Five Premier League Meetings)
Matches - 5
West Ham - 0
Man United - 5
Draws - 0
Matchday 35 fixtures:
Saturday, May 6
14h00: Bournemouth v Chelsea
14h00: Manchester City v Leeds United
14h00: Tottenham Hotspur v Crystal Palace
14h00: Wolverhampton Wanderers v Aston Villa
16h30: Liverpool v Brentford
Sunday, May 7
15h30: Newcastle United v Arsenal
18h00: West Ham United v Manchester United
Monday, May 8
14h00: Fulham v Leicester City
16h30: Brighton & Hove Albion v Everton
19h00: Nottingham Forest v Southampton
Bet on the English Premier League with Betway
Sign up at Betway and enjoy solid action and heart-racing thrills when you bet on soccer leagues such as the English Premier League, the Italian Serie A, the Spanish La Liga and many more.
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions, follow Betway on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ and YouTube. Download the Betway App.
Betway Casino brings you the action
The Betway Casino lobby is filled with fun games and Aviator does not disappoint. Our casino spoils you with lucky numbers, slot games, live casino games and more, take a break from the sport and become a high roller at our casino.
For all the latest sports betting, casino, online betting news, and promotions, follow Betway on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ and YouTube. Download the Betway App.