Premier League: Red Devils Plan to Sneak Into the Top 4

Manchester United vs West Ham United

Manchester United returned to winning ways after a three-game winless run in the Premier League, and they hope to build on their momentum when they host West Ham United at Old Trafford this Thursday.

After a disappointing 1-0 loss against 10-man Everton, Ruben Amorim’s men bounced back with a 2-1 win against a buoyant Crystal Palace side at Selhurst Park. As a result, Manchester United now have 21 points, level with eighth-seeded Liverpool. If certain Premier League 2025 results fall their way this weekend, they might see themselves back in the Top 4 after matchday 14.

On the other hand, West Ham United remain desperate to escape the relegation zone. Following last weekend’s 2-0 loss to Liverpool, Nuno Espirito Santo’s men stayed at 17th place in the English top-flight standings with 11 points.

Learn more about these two teams in today’s SBOTOP preview.

 

Talking Points

Zirkzee and Shaw step up for Manchester United

Manchester United were winless due to their growing injury list, having been without Benjamin Sesko, Harry Maguire, and Matheus Cunha. In their absence, Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount reclaimed their starting spots, while Luke Shaw has been playing more minutes than expected.

After a lacklustre performance against Everton, Zirkzee came up big against Crystal Palace. With the Eagles up by one goal, courtesy of Jean-Philippe Mateta’s penalty, Zirkzee caught the ball from a Bruno Fernandes free-kick and scored from a tight angle near the hour mark for the much-needed equaliser. Nine minutes later, Mount whipped and converted a long-distance shot to secure the victory. 

Shaw has been rounding into form over the past few weeks. He has been a regular starter under Ruben Amorim as their left-sided centre-back, though he left the pitch in the second half to make way for Lisandro Martinez, who made his awaited return after a year-long absence.

On the other hand, Casemiro and Patrick Dorgu have to be careful against West Ham United, as they’re one card away from a suspension. The Red Devils can ill afford to lose Casemiro since he has been their fulcrum in the middle of the park this term.

 

West Ham United suffer massive lineup blow

Speaking of the midfield, West Ham United will be without one of their key players, as Lucas Paqueta will serve his suspension on Thursday. The Brazilian playmaker inexplicably accrued two yellow cards in the space of a minute for dissent towards the referees, and Paqueta took a swipe at the FA on his social media after the game.

Paqueta has been one of West Ham United’s top players this season, with three league goals. He normally plays in the middle of the park, but he had to play up front out of necessity against Liverpool.

With Paqueta out, Tomas Soucek should start in his place, and there’ll be more opportunities for Mateus Fernandes and El Hadji Malick Diouf to shine.

 

History

Manchester United have lost four of their last five Premier League matches against West Ham United (W1), which is more than they had in their previous 28 against them (W19, D6, L3). The Hammers won this league fixture 2-0 last season, ending a 16-game winless run at Old Trafford (D3, L13). However, they’ve not won consecutive league visits to Old Trafford since March 1934, and Manchester United won 2-1 in their most recent encounter during the Premier League Summer Series.

Ruben Amorim has lost nine of his 19 Premier League matches at Old Trafford as Manchester United manager (W8, D2). Should the Red Devils lose this Thursday, Amorim will be the fastest manager in club history to lose 10 English top-flight home games.

 

Betting Tip

The Premier League 2025 odds favour Manchester United to win at home on Thursday. The Red Devils are 1.41 favourites to win, whereas the Hammers are huge 5.80 underdogs, and a draw is at 4.46 in the 1X2 market. West Ham United may have given Manchester United trouble in their past few meetings, but the difference in form and the gap between them in the standings is hard to ignore. 

Besides our recommended bet, bettors may also consider adding Under 3.50 at 1.65, Under 3.25 at 1.82, and Under 3.00 at 2.05 to the parlay. The Red Devils can also be backed in the Asian Handicap market, with -1.00 at.1.70, -1.25 at 1.99, and -1.50 at 2.25 on offer. Moreover, a Correct Score of 2-0 in favour of the Hammers – the result of their last league encounter – offers a mouthwatering payday of 48.00 your bet.

   

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