Wednesday 13th April 2016 Kickoff 1900hrs
West Ham United v Manchester United
Football – FA Cup – England
It is now a month ago since these sides met at Old Trafford in the first attempt of their quarter-final game as they prepare to do battle again in the replay. It took a late goal from United’s Anthony Martial to rescue a draw and force this game after the ever-impressive Dmitri Payet had opened the scoring with a wonderful free-kick. It’s all set up to be an enthralling cup tie under the lights at Upton Park – the last time an FA Cup game will ever be played at this famous stadium.
Having previewed the Hammers game against Arsenal in the Premier League last Saturday, it would be pointless regurgitating how good a job Slaven Bilic has done since arriving at the club or heaping further praise on Payet. Instead, Saturday’s game was further evidence of how much variety that West Ham have in their squad as Andy Carroll popped up with a quick-fire treble to remind everybody of his own qualities. Due to injuries and the form of other attackers in the squad, Carroll’s contribution has been somewhat limited this season but he remains an extremely effective option and took his tally to seven for the season. Interestingly, six of those goals have come at home whilst he’s also notched against Chelsea, Liverpool and Southampton in addition to the three he scored against the Gunners. He’s a man for the big occasion and providing his team-mates can give him the service he craves then he will continue to be a threat against any defence. There has been talk of a late call-up to the England squad for the upcoming European championships but that remains unlikely. Carroll needs to concentrate on putting together a sustained run of form for his club and staying injury free.
It was a disappointing weekend for Manchester United and their manager Louis Van Gaal to say the least as they were blown away by a seven-minute, three goal blitz away to Tottenham. With Manchester City having won 24 hours previous, the defeat now leaves United with an uphill battle to finish fourth and qualify for next season’s Champions League. In truth, it would be something of a travesty if this squad did finish in the top four as they have simply not been good enough and play a brand of football that excites nobody. Van Gaal has came under flak for that, of course, which is why United supporters will be more than a bit concerned that the Dutchman is rumoured to be staying to see out the third and final year of his contract. Whether that is the case or not remains to be seen but it would certainly be a surprise if they fail to make the Champions League and do not win the FA Cup – which is entirely possible. Whoever is in charge come the new season will have to strengthen the squad considerably if the Red Devils are to be considered a realistic challenger for the title as there are glaring deficiencies throughout the whole team that need to be addressed otherwise it is set to be yet another campaign destined for mediocrity.
There may be some feeling amongst West Ham supporters that they have missed their best chance of making it through to the semi-finals after conceding so late in the first meeting. Thoughts would have been turning to playing at Wembley for the first time since their play-off final win in 2012 but those have to be put on hold as they bid to finish the job at the second time of asking. West Ham already have experience of that in this season’s competition after seeing off Liverpool 2-1, in extra-time, following a goalless draw at Anfield. Their record against the ‘top’ clubs has been very good this term, all in. Leicester and Tottenham are the only two teams in the top six to have beaten them and with wins over Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Spurs themselves, they will certainly be confident of getting the result they need on Wednesday.
It is now 12 years since United last won the FA Cup and their supporters will feel another triumph is long overdue. Unlike Arsenal they have enjoyed plenty of success since then out with this competition, of course, but it’s definitely looking like their best option of silverware in the current era. With the Premier League and Champions League looking well beyond their means at this points, domestic cup competitions and a top four finish are about as good as United can hope for which makes the replay even more important. Years gone by this tie would see a fair bit of rotation but after Sunday’s result it would be a big surprise if Van Gaal played anything but his strongest team.
West Ham v Manchester United Betting Tips
Everton await the winners of this game a week on Saturday and all five teams left in the draw (Watford and Crystal Palace contest the other semi-final) will feel that they are in with a great chance of going all the way. I would suggest that whoever wins this game will be favourites for the competition but the bookmakers are finding it hard to split them. West Ham are certainly in better form and have a greater attacking threat in my opinion which just tips the balance towards them. Untied have picked up the majority of their wins thanks to their solid defence and great goalkeeper but will that be enough to see them through? I’m not convinced.
As mentioned above, this game will go down in history as being the last ever FA Cup game to be played at Upton Park which will only add to the atmosphere. United, as usual, will be roared on by their excellent away support and it has the makings of a classic cup game under the lights. There has been nothing to separate the team’s in both meetings thus far and with only one point between them after 32 league games, there is plenty to suggest we could be in for a long night. It’s the sort of game that has the feeling of being an old-fashioned, end-to-end battle, and that leads me to two bets. West Ham’s last five games have seen both teams scoring and whilst United are not the most expansive of teams, but they have only failed to score in two of their last 15 trips to this ground and the price is enough to tempt me. The second bet is a bite more of a punt is for West Ham to win on penalties. There is more than a touch of sentiment attached to this but it is a game I can see going the distance as there is virtually nothing between both teams. It is speculative and for those wishing to watch any potential shoot-out without stress-free, you can of course back United to guarantee a win at that stage.
Both teams to score 4/5 @ Betvictor
West Ham to win on penalties 14/1 @ Bet365
