Red Devil

FreaK7

London Calling…Record Falling?

Manchester United may be the champions of England, Europe and the world, but their record in London is anything but stellar.

Since Cristiano Ronaldo charged through the Fulham team to secure a 2-1 win in February 2007, the Reds have claimed a solitary victory in the capital.

The Cottagers have been uncharacteristically welcoming hosts by falling to another defeat last March. Eight other games against Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and this weekend’s opponents West Ham United have left the champions clutching for draws.

Indeed, the last two meetings at Upton Park have sent the Red Devils back up north with their tail between their legs after losing both times. Sir Alex Ferguson will be hopeful that this shocking run will come to end on Sunday.

The Barclays Premier League manager of the month for January comes to the East End on a record breaking 12 match streak without conceding a goal, Michael Carrick is in match winning form after he won the penalty in the 1-0 win against Everton a week ago, and Wayne Rooney returns from injury to boost his attacking options.

Rooney is joined in the United squad by marauding full back Patrice Evra. If the Frenchman gets on the pitch, he will complete a first choice backline that hasn’t been together throughout Edwin Van der Sar’s 1,122 unbeaten minutes in goal.

David Di Michelle and Carlton Cole threaten the Dutchman’s unbeatable position. But, with the Premier League title in their hands, the Reds are determined to stop the London rot.

From Zero To Zola

Fortunes change fast in the English top flight. The flames engulfing Gianfranco Zola’s baptism of fire in the West Ham United hot seat were at their most intense when this Sunday’s teams met earlier in the season.

Freefalling towards the bottom of the Premier League table after three defeats on the bounce in October, the Italian took his side to Manchester and was blown out of the water in the opening half hour as Cristiano Ronaldo’s brace inflicted a 2-0 defeat.

Those were the dark days. Excellent work from Zola and his former Chelsea colleague; assistant first team coach Steve Clarke, now sees the Boleyn Ground outfit on a seven game unbeaten spell and with plenty of breathing space from the dreaded relegation zone.

The inclusion of the Scot has been an inspirational move. With years of experience working under Jose Mourinho, his defensive acumen has solidified a previously leaky West Ham backline.

Last weekend’s match with Arsenal showed the extent of his work as the Irons achieved the first 0-0 result at the Emirates Stadium. Danny Collins and Matthew Upson were impassable, whilst the midfield quartet offered no solace to their flimsy Gunners counterparts.

During Zola’s time in charge, draws have also been recorded against Liverpool and Chelsea. The Italian is keen to turn these promising stalemates into victories. With Carlton Cole and David Di Michelle full of goals, he has the belief his first major scalp as a Premier League coach could be claimed on Sunday.

FORM GUIDE

Manchester United:

31st January vs. Everton (H) won 1-0 (PREM)

27th January vs. West Bromwich Albion (A) won 5-0 (PREM)

24th January vs. Tottenham Hotspur (H) won 2-1 (FA CUP)

20th January vs. Derby County (H) won 4-2 (CARLING CUP)

17th January vs. Bolton Wanderers (A) won 1-0 (PREM)

West Ham United:

31st January vs. Arsenal (A) drew 0-0 (PREM)

28th January vs. Hull City (H) won 2-0 (PREM)

24th January vs. Hartlepool United (A) won 2-0 (FA CUP)

18th January vs. Fulham (H) won 3-1 (PREM)

10th January vs. Newcastle United (A) drew 2-2 (PREM)

TEAM NEWS

West Ham United:

New boy Radoslav Kovac boost the Hammers’ numbers after his loan move from Spartak Moscow.

The Czech international midfielder joins a squad that is still without long term absentees Dean Ashton (ankle), Danny Gabbidon (groin) and Kieron Dyer (calf).

Last starting XI (vs. Arsenal): Green, Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami, Parker, Noble (Savio 70), Collison, Cole, Di Michele (Boa Morte 83).
Subs Not Used: Lastuvka, Lopez, Spector, Tristan, Sears.

Squad: Green, Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami, Parker, Noble, Savio, Collison, Cole, Di Michele, Boa Morte, Lastuvka, Lopez, Spector, Tomkins, Tristan, Sears, Kovac.

Possible starting XI: Green, Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami, Parker, Noble, Collison, Cole, Di Michelle.

Manchester United:

Sir Alex Ferguson will be delighted to have Patrice Evra and Wayne Rooney available from the bench. Wes Brown should also make his first start since October.

Rafael (hamstring), Anderson (ankle), Jonny Evans (ankle) and Nani (groin) are still unavailable, whilst Ferguson announced this week that Owen Hargreaves (knee) will return to the United fold in August.

Last starting XI (vs. Everton): Van der Sar, Neville (Brown 56), Ferdinand, Vidic, O'Shea, Ronaldo, Carrick, Fletcher (Giggs 75), Park, Berbatov, Tevez.
Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Welbeck, Fabio Da Silva, Gibson, Eckersley.

Squad: Van der Sar, Foster, Kuszczak, Brown, Eckersley, Ferdinand, Vidic, O'Shea, Evra, Ronaldo, Carrick, Scholes, Fletcher, Gibson, Giggs, Park, Tosic, Berbatov, Rooney, Tevez, Possebon.

Possible starting XI: Van der Sar, O’Shea, Vidic, Ferdinand, Brown, Carrick, Fletcher, Ronaldo, Park, Berbatov, Tevez.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

West Ham United: With two goals in the Hammers three previous Premier League games, David Di Michele has eased into Craig Bellamy’s boots. Since the Welshman rancorous departure to Manchester City, the Italian has bagged a tap in against Hull City and converted a John Pantsil gift when Bellamy refused to play in the match with Fulham. Zipping across the Upton Park pitch, he’s been the perfect foil for the languid Carlton Cole.

Manchester United: Michael Carrick returns to Upton Park in fine tattle. The Hammers old boy has been majestic in central midfield, winning the penalty against Everton last weekend and working his way into Fabio Capello’s England squad for next Wednesday’s friendly against Spain. Carrick will need to be at his best once again with Scott Parker and Valon Behrami snapping at his heels.

PREDICTION

United have toiled in the capital, but Sir Alex Ferguson will be determined to break this run with the title race in full flight.

West Ham may have beaten his side with regularity in their East End home, but the Red Devils will drive back up North with all three points in the bag.

West Ham United 0-1 Manchester United

Matt Monaghan