West Ham United vs. Manchester United Preview

Saturday’s late afternoon kick-off in the FA Cup sees West Ham United host Manchester United.

Three times winners West Ham go in to the game on the back of their first win in five games, having beaten Norwich City 2-1 on New Year’s Day.

The Hammers will be without injured due Andy Carroll and Mohammed Diame, with Joey O’Brien also a doubt. Captain Kevin Nolan and James Collins both return following suspension, while Joe Cole is available after completing his move from Liverpool.

Cole, who began his career at Upton Park before moving on to Chelsea almost ten years ago is 17.0 (16/1) to open the scoring on his return.

Sam Allardyce’s men are widely available at 5.0 (4/1) to win the match, with Manchester United favourites at 1.75 (3/4). The draw is a 4.0 (3/1) shot with some firms.
No team has lifted the FA Cup more times than Manchester United, though they haven’t won the competition since 2004.

Tuesday’s victory over Wigan Athletic took them seven points clear at the top of the Premier League, and Bet Fred price them at 81.0 (80/1) to repeat their success of 1999 and complete a League, Cup and Champions League treble.

Defenders Phil Jones and Nemanja Vidic are set to return to the starting line-up, though Nani and Wayne Rooney will miss out.

Top scorer Robin Van Persie, who won the trophy in 2005 after beating United in the final on penalties is the 4.0 (3/1) favourite to get the first goal of the game.