Manchester United will face West Ham United at the London Stadium in an early kickoff today. United haven’t won in their last two matches in all competitions. West Ham have won twice and drawn once in their last three matches, which includes two Premier League games too. They held Chelsea to a goalless draw last weekend. Hence, Jose Mourinho’s side will face a stiff challenge away from home. Here, we look at the three main player battles that could have a decisive impact on the game.
Paul Pogba vs Mark Noble
Amid the supposed unrest between Paul Pogba and the manager, the Frenchman is lined up to start against West Ham. Mourinho was optimistic and praised Pogba’s training during the week.
The former Juventus star delivered an exquisite assist for Fred’s goal against Wolves last weekend and he will be the one dictating the tempo of the game yet again at the London Stadium. However, Mark Noble’s tenacity and experience neutralized Chelsea’s dynamic midfield passing moves last weekend.
He could be the one tasked with shackling Pogba. Pellegrini could use the Frenchman’s tendency to lose the ball at crucial times to his team’s benefit. In fact, Noble registered five tackles against Chelsea and he could make Pogba’s task difficult this evening.
Andriy Yarmolenko vs Luke Shaw
Andriy Yarmolenko plays on the right flank of West Ham’s impressive frontline. He has an incisive passing acumen and is adept at stretching the byline and delivering some telling crosses too.
Moreover, he is physically dominant and tends to outmuscle his adversary regularly. He would be up against arguably United’s best player of the season so far. The Englishman has been a regular offensive outlet and has inculcated more discipline in the defensive aspect of his gameplay too.
Shaw put in two crosses and made four clearances against Wolves. United require Shaw’s offensive output from the left flank but he could be pegged back by Yarmolenko’s movements on that wing. This duel will certainly have a major impact on the outcome of the match.
Romelu Lukaku vs Issa Diop
Though Romelu Lukaku has scored four goals this season, he has missed sitters in abundance. The Belgian failed to score a goal from approximately four yards out against Wolves.
He certainly seems to be struggling and his profligacy has cost United invaluable points already. West Ham’s summer recruit Issa Diop is a very proactive defender and the Frenchman had a good match against Chelsea. He made six clearances and registered three interceptions along with putting in 2 crucial blocks.
The United forward needs to use his strength and hold up play to unsettle the sturdy West Ham defence.
Stats Courtesy: Whoscored
