- Manchester United continue their Premier League top-four hunt against West Ham United this weekend, as they look to bounce back from their midweek defeat.
United have won their last three meetings against West Ham, winning 3-1 in the FA Cup and 1-0 in the Premier League already this season, but with the Hammers still at risk of relegation, they’ll be desperate for a result this weekend.
Despite their 1-0 defeat against Brighton on Thursday, Erik ten Hag’s side could open up a seven-point lead over Liverpool in fifth should they grab three points this weekend, putting them in a great position ahead of the final few games.
So, what could the final score be? We simulated West Ham United vs Manchester United to get a score prediction.
To complete this simulation, we used FIFA 23 and updated the squads with the latest injuries and suspensions.
Arteta on Arsenal before match against Newcastle
Mikel Arteta on Arsenal before match against Newcastle in the Premier League
We predict that West Ham could line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with their line-up as follows: Fabianski; Coufal, Aguerd, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Soucek, Rice; Bowen, Paqueta, Benrahma; Antonio.
We predict that United could set up in a 4-3-3 formation, with their line-up as follows: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Shaw, Malacia; Casemiro, Eriksen, Fernandes; Antony, Rashford, Sancho.
United almost got off to the perfect start in east London, with Marcus Rashford skipping past Angelo Ogbonna before firing his effort onto the post. The chances kept coming for Ten Hag’s side who were in full control, and they took a deserved lead after 20 minutes.
Bruno Fernandes played a corner short to Antony, and the midfielder quickly made a darting run towards the front post to offer an option. Antony fizzed a cross towards goal, and without knowing much about it, Fernandes flicked the ball across goal and into the bottom corner of the net.
An error at the back minutes later saw Luke Shaw dispossessed by Michail Antonio as the striker burst through on goal, and despite bringing down the striker as the last man, Shaw was lucky to escape with just a yellow, a let-off for United. As the second half got underway, United continued their domination and doubled their tally in the 56th minute through Rashford.
Rashford made it 2-0 to United (Image: EA SPORTS)
Casemiro was dominating in midfield, and all three midfielders helped move the ball forward as Fernandes picked up the ball just outside the box. The midfielder flicked the ball through the legs of Declan Rice for Rashford to latch on to, and he powered his strike past the ‘keeper to make it 2-0.
With a 2-0 lead, Ten Hag’s side were cruising to victory, with the Hammers barely threatening United’s goal. The pace dropped off as the game went on, but a moment of magic saw Christian Eriksen grab a third for United.
Eriksen made it 3-0 to United (Image: EA SPORTS)
Antony drilled a pass to Eriksen outside the box, and a fantastic first touch saw the Dane flick the ball over the head of Tomas Soucek to break through on goal. After bringing the ball down, the midfielder placed his shot into the bottom corner.
Danny Ings grabbed a consolation goal in the 92nd minute, but United emerged victorious.
