WEST HAM v MANCHESTER UTD - KING CARLOS’ WINNING RETURN TO UPTON PARK?
Carlos Tevez returns to Upton Park for the first time this Saturday after almost single-handedly keeping the Hammers up last season with 7 goals in his final 10 appearances. After being rested for United’s trip to Sunderland on Boxing Day he seems almost certain to be unleashed on his former team-mates. United’s top players have clicked into gear in December as Fergie said they would with 5 straight wins which has seen them leapfrog Arsenal to lead the Premier League.
Last season the Hammers were almost relegated but still managed to beat United home and away for the first time since the 1976/77 season. It was Tevez that scored West Ham’s winner at Old Trafford on the last day of the season to assure survival. Last season aside, United have dominated the Premier League encounters between these clubs with the Hammers winning just 3 of the 24 meetings.
The Hammers have struggled at Upton Park this season with their only wins coming against the North-East pair of Middlesbrough and Sunderland so chances of them beating this red hot Red Devils side are low. Alan Curbishley’s side have also failed to win their last 4 home games with defeat against Everton plus draws with Bolton, Tottenham and Reading.
It is hard to back against Sir Alex Ferguson’s side as they have hit top form over recent weeks and could even afford to rest Patrice Evra, Anderson, Ryan Giggs and Tevez on Boxing Day so expect United to continue their winning run on Premier 10.
Pundit’s Pick: Red Devils rack up more December points (away win)
Tags: 29/12/07, Carlos Tevez, Hammers, Manchester Utd, Red Devils, United, Upton Park, West Ham
