Man U vs. West Ham
Venue: Old Tradfford
Kick off: 5pm
Manchester United will attempt to bounce back from back-to-back defeats when they welcome West Ham United to Old Trafford in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup today.
The Red Devils have lost their last two in all competitions without scoring – the latest of which came at Liverpool in the Europa League on Thursday. West Ham, however, are currently on a six-match unbeaten run and currently sit above Man United in the Premier League table.
Man United might be 11-time winners of the FA Cup, but they have not lifted the trophy since 2004, when they beat Millwall in the final. They have also lost both of their last two sixth-round appearances – including defeat at home to Arsenal last season.
Wins over Sheffield United, Derby County and Shrewsbury Town have taken Man United into the quarter-finals, but this is without question their biggest test of the season. The knifes will once again be out for Van Gaal and surely even the seemingly indestructible Dutchman could not last if the next three matches do not go to plan.
Man United might be struggling at the moment, but the same cannot be said for West Ham, who are enjoying a spectacular campaign. Indeed, the Hammers are very much in the race for a top-four finish in the Premier League and will also fancy their chances of lifting their fourth FA Cup.
In terms of progression to this stage of the competition, West Ham overcame Wolverhampton Wanderers in the third round, before beating Liverpool at home following a replay. Their spot in the quarter-finals was secured with a 5-1 win at Championship side Blackburn Rovers last month.
Man United possible starting lineup:
De Gea; Varela, Smalling, Blind, Rojo; Schweinsteiger, Schneiderlin; Memphis, Herrera, Lingard; Martial
West Ham possible starting lineup:
Adrian; O’Brien, Ogbonna, Reid, Cresswell; Noble, Obiang; Antonio, Payet, Lanzini; Carroll