Preview: West Ham United vs. Manchester United

Sports Mole looks ahead to the FA Cup quarter-final replay between West Ham United and Manchester United at Upton Park.

Upton Park will host its last ever FA Cup encounter when West Ham United take on Manchester United in a quarter-final replay on Wednesday night.

The first meeting at Old Trafford was a French affair, with United striker Anthony Martial cancelling out Dimitri Payet's opener for the Hammers. For the winner, the prize is a Wembley date with Everton in the last four.


West Ham

Slaven Bilic points and shouts during the FA Cup fourth-round replay between West Ham United and Liverpool on February 9, 2016© Getty Images

While it was always a long shot, West Ham's chances of securing Champions League football ahead of their move to the Olympic Stadium is all but over.

Four draws in a row, three of which have come in the Premier League, have ensured that it will be the Europa League at best for Slaven Bilic's charges.

Nevertheless, had you offered that carrot to any West Ham supporter at the start of the campaign, there is every chance that they would have snapped your hand off.

It could, of course, get even better for those of a claret and blue persuasion. West Ham lifted the last of their three FA Cups in 1980 thanks to a Trevor Brooking header, but there is a growing belief that they have the quality to end the wait this time around.

The club's recent home form in the competition is certainly reason for optimism, given that of their last seven ties at the Boleyn Ground, six have been won and the other - against Man United in 2013 - was drawn.

The famous old ground, which West Ham will vacate in May, has actually been a fortress virtually all season long. The first two matches against Leicester City and Bournemouth ended in defeat, but since then the East Londoners have not lost in front of their own supporters - a run that stretches back 16 matches.

Recent form: LWDWWD
Recent form (all competitions): WWDDDD


Man United

Black widow Louis van Gaal watches on during the Premier League game between West Bromwich Albion and Manchester United on March 6, 2016© Getty Images

Once a club famed for keeping everything locked firmly in-house, leaks concerning the Red Devils are emerging on an almost daily basis at present.

The latest suggested that manager Louis van Gaal has lost what little support he had left within the Old Trafford dressing room following Sunday afternoon's 3-0 loss away at title-chasing Tottenham Hotspur.

The Dutchman was particularly critical of the way that his side collapsed during the second half at White Hart Lane, but the players are said to have laid the blame firmly at their manager's door. If true, it would seem that the relationship between manager and the playing squad is now beyond repair.

Much of the frustration, particularly where supporters are concerned, centres around a lack of attacking thrust. Against Spurs, United mustered just five shots on goal, one of which landed on target. Furthermore, over the course of 32 Premier League games, Van Gaal's men have averaged just 3.6 shots on target.

With this particular trip in mind, journeys to London have not proven to be overly profitable for United this term. Two of their games in the capital have ended in defeat, while the other two have been drawn.

The FA Cup is a competition that saved Sir Alex Ferguson back in 1990, but even if Van Gaal is able to guide the club to a record-equaling 12th triumph, his days as United boss seem to be numbered.

Recent form: WLWWWD
Recent form (all competitions): LDDWWL


Team News

Wayne Rooney warms up prior to the game between Manchester United and Chelsea on December 28, 2015© Getty Images

Captain Wayne Rooney proved his fitness on Monday night with a 60-minute outing for United's Under-21 side.

The striker has missed the last 12 weeks with a knee problem, but there have been suggestions that he could return to the squad for this encounter.

However, whether the 30-year-old is hoisted straight back into the starting lineup remains to be seen.

Young frontman Marcus Rashford could be withdrawn after he was substituted at half time against Spurs, which may see Martial play through the middle.

The likes of Memphis Depay and Ander Herrera are also said to be pushing for inclusion, along with Matteo Darmian.

As for West Ham, Saturday's hat-trick hero Andy Carroll is expected to lead the attack once again, particularly because Diafra Sakho is out for seven days with a knee problem.

Further back, Darren Randolph has been preferred to number one goalkeeper Adrian between the posts so far in the FA Cup and that trend should continue.

West Ham possible starting lineup:
Randolph; Reid, Tomkins, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Kouyate, Noble, Antonio; Payet, Lanzini; Carroll

Man United possible starting lineup:
De Gea; Darmian, Blind, Smalling, Rojo; Schneiderlin, Carrick; Herrera, Lingard, Depay; Martial


Head To Head

These two sides have met eight times previously in the FA Cup, with two victories apiece.

However, the Hammers have a poor recent record against United, with their winless run currently standing at 11 games.

Their last win over United, though, was in the quarter-final of a domestic cup (League Cup) in November 2010.


Sports Mole Logo 40px height

We say: West Ham 2-0 Man United


In years gone by, United would have been a relatively safe bet to advance, even at Upton Park. That is no longer the case, though. West Ham are considered to be the favourites and they should live up to that tag. Carroll poses a big threat in the air and with Payet loading the bullets, the big striker may well have a defining impact on this tie.

Who will progress through to the semi-finals of the FA Cup?

West Ham
Man United
West Ham
72.1%
Man United
27.9%
Andy Carroll celebrates during the Premier League game between West Ham United and Arsenal on April 9, 2016
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