Hammers fan are feeling cautiously optimistic ahead of our trip to Old Trafford, having played Liverpool off the park last weekend. That and United's visibly shaky backline have given grounds for hope of another Jermaine Defoe or Paolo Di Canio moment, but it is tempered with fear of Man United's front line, which has attacking intent written all over it.
Word reaches us that United have only one fit centre half, in the form of Rojo and although Fellaini or Carrick can sit in there, they are lacking match practice. There is one eye on that but there is also an eye on a front line of Rooney, Van Persie, Falcao and Mata, so the boys at the back will have to be sharp and we will need work for the points if we want to get them.
As for the Hammers, I understand it;s just Kouyate who is out, with Nolan and Jarvis set to return to action next week. I would allow Amaltifano to slip in to the role Downing had as a roaming attacker at the tip of the diamond and ask Stewart to play a more disciplined role – he has the intelligence to do so and will be ably supported by Noble and Song. Here's my formation;
Bench; Jussi, Collins, Jenkinson, O'Brien, Cole, Zarate and Poyet
Despite the high expectation going into the game, don't imagine it will be anything but tough and a 2-2 draw will be more than acceptable which is good as that is my prediction…COYI!