Rooney-led Red Devils to ruin West Ham’s Upton Park farewell
Published:
Holly Thackeray | May 9, 2016
West Ham United v Manchester United
- Premier League
- Tuesday, May 10th
- Kick-off: 19:45 BST
- Upton Park, east London
- Live on Sky Sports 1
Hammers hoping for a happy Upton Park exit
Emotions will be running high in east London, as West Ham United bid goodbye to Upton Park, the Hammers’ home for 112 years. Slaven Bilic’s boys will no doubt be chomping at the bit, then, to honour all that history with a win, which is 11/5 with Coral to unfold.
There is certainly something to prove to the passionate support, by signing off in style at their last ever home game in this sporting arena, after a recent slump that makes it look highly unlikely for the Irons to achieve a Champions League spot as they sit six adrift of Manchester City despite a game in hand.
With six points still to play for, the hosts are 19/4 to pick up three here with both teams on target, as Bilic’s boys kept just one clean sheet in their last eight league outings.
Attacking football with scant regard for defence is in the capital club’s veins, with both teams to score in both halves a 12/1 chance.
So if you’re feeling nostalgic for the old Upton Park glory days, Coral have compiled a list of six of the best Hammers home strikes over the years – why not take a gander at the goals?
Man Utd momentum can pull Van Gaal through
Speaking of attacking intent, as last Upton Park opponents Man Utd have been rather toothless in that regard this term, with a goal difference of just 13 after notching only 44 times in 36 Premier League games, they appear the perfect opposition on paper.
Yet, the Red Devils have returned to form of late after one loss in seven league scuffles, with means the Mancunians have more to play for that just ruining West Ham’s day. If the occasion all gets to much for the Irons, Man Utd are a tasty 13/10 price to pounce after the Londoners shipped four to Swansea City last time out.
Louis van Gaal’s guys will be flying high after their narrow victory versus Norwich City and closest top four competitors (and cross-town rivals) Man City slipped up at home to Arsenal to remain only two points ahead.
Still, although the Red Devils triumphed on Upton Park turf in the FA Cup, the Hammers have twice held their guests this term in all competitions and are best value at 12/5 to do so again. While a draw would not be the result either require, there has truly looked little between the two teams when tussling of late and punters can opt for either side at 9/1 to throw away a half-time lead.
Rooney record to give Hammers pause for thought
Man Utd may miss injured marksman and main attacking threat Anthony Martial for this match, and the France forward’s threat and magic feet were much missed on the left flank as the Northwest giants looked lacklustre in attack at Carrow Road.
Still, young-gun Marcus Rashford was also absent then and, after being rested should return to lead the line. The youngster memorably delivered an FA Cup Hammer blow upon his previous Upton Park visit, so is 6/1 to open scoring again, or 7/4 in the anytime market.
Juan Mata made the difference in Norwich and is 11/4 in the same market, while his assist provider Wayne Roonye’s rampant record against West Ham also makes for interesting reading. The skipper has struck 12 times in 17 career outings against the Irons, including that memorable 50-yarder back in 2013/14, with Rooney now 2/1 to net again anytime, or 7/1 for the final say.
As for Hammers home heroes, Dimitri Payet’s potent FA Cup free-kick at Old Trafford was another goal of note in this fixture, and the Frenchman is 11/4 to fire in anytime, while aerial threat Andy Carroll is 2/1 to cause trouble in Marouane Fellaini’s absence and dangerman Diafra Sakho a 15/8 shot for goal glory.
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Coral’s top tip: Rooney at 7/1 to sink the last goal.
