The Opta supercomputer has given its analysis and forecast for the match-up between Man Utd and West Ham in Premier League Round 14.
After a thrilling victory against Crystal Palace, Man Utd will return to their home ground to host West Ham in the 14th round of the Premier League.
With the advantage of Old Trafford and a stronger squad, it is understandable that the "Red Devils" are favored to win. This is clearly highlighted by the Opta supercomputer Opta in its prediction of the chances to secure all three points.
Specifically, Opta estimates that Man Utd has a 56.7% chance of claiming victory. Meanwhile, West Ham is predicted to win in only 20.9% of scenarios, with 22.4% of matches expected to end in a draw.
However, looking at recent head-to-head records, it is actually the team coached by Ruben Amorim that might have cause for concern.
According to statistics from Opta, Man Utd has lost 4 out of the last 5 Premier League encounters with West Ham, which is more defeats than in the previous 28 meetings combined (19 wins, 6 draws, 3 losses).
Last season, the London club also secured a 2-0 win at Old Trafford in the same fixture, ending a 16-match winless streak away at Man Utd in England’s top division (3 draws, 13 losses).
Nevertheless, West Ham has never won two consecutive away games at Old Trafford since March 1934, nor have they achieved three straight wins against Man Utd from December 2006 to December 2007.
Following a streak of 3 consecutive wins in early October, Man Utd seems to have come back down to earth with no wins in the subsequent matches, including a painful defeat to Everton at Old Trafford. However, the three points secured at Selhurst Park last weekend helped Coach Ruben Amorim regain confidence from both management and fans, aiming for a second consecutive victory over West Ham, a club currently in the relegation zone.
As for West Ham, despite some signs of improvement under Coach Nuno Santo, the London club still shows inconsistency in their overall play, losing their reputation as one of the clubs that often challenge the big teams.
Against an unstable Man Utd, West Ham could certainly cause an upset at Old Trafford, especially since they are in a position where a win is crucial to avoid falling further behind in the relegation battle this season.
The match between Man Utd and West Ham will take place at 3:00 AM tomorrow (December 5).