Man United hosts West Ham at Old Trafford in the fifth round clash of FA Cup 2020-21. The win will book their place in the quarter-finals.
Match Timings: Feb 10, 1 AM IST
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Man United and West Ham will be back in action for the round of 16 clashes in the FA Cup. Last season’s semifinalist United defeated Liverpool in the last fourth-round clash. Man United is looking for the first silverware of the season 2020-21, and after the semifinal defeat to City in League Cup, FA Cup is the only hope for them. The Premier League glory is in doubt after Man City’s dominant run. In the last PL Outing, United lost the opportunity to take three points when they took a 2-0 lead in the first half. Everton replied back with two goals to make the scoreline 2-2. Scott McTominay scored the third goal for United, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin's 95th-minute equaliser spoiled all the efforts.
Man City edged past Liverpool at Anfield 4-1, and they have strengthened its advantage to 5-points. United cannot drop points, and they have to rely on Man City’s matches. This month is already pretty hectic for Red Devils as they will also resume its Europa League campaign. Solskjaer's side is the second-most successful team in this competition behind Arsenal and lifted the trophy 12 times. United are looking for the 13th title from the last 4 seasons as their last title triumph came in 2016 when they beat Crystal Palace in the 2016 FA Cup final. United will play West Ham one more time, and the stage will be at Premier League.
Meanwhile, West Ham are in good form, and they are in the contention of the top four in England's top-flight. In the last PL outing, they played a goalless draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage. Tomas Soucek was handed a red card, but West Ham got a lifeline as West Ham successfully appeal against Mike Dean’s call, and the decision was overturned. David Moyes's side is the top contender for the Champions League spot, and they are standing at sixth with 39 points, one point behind 4th placed Liverpool. Everton and Spurs both are still in the race for the top four, so Hammers cannot drop points here.
West Ham will take on United in the next Premier League and continue their home-campaign to Sheffield United on February 15. West Ham overcame Doncaster Rovers 4-0 at the London Stadium in the last FA Cup time out. Hammers have won this trophy on three occasions, and the last title came in 1980. They also reached into the final in 2005-06 and lost to Liverpool in the penalty shootout.
Possible Lineups & Current form
Man United
Henderson; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw; Fred, McTominay; Rashford, Fernandes, Greenwood; Cavani
Current Form: W W L D W D
Previous Match: 3-3 draw with Everton (PL)
West Ham
Fabianski; Fredericks, Dawson, Diop, Cresswell; Noble, Rice; Bowen, Lanzini, Fornals; Yarmolenko
Current Form: W W W L W D
Previous Match: Goalless draw with West Ham (PL)
Key Players
Man United
Bruno Fernandes
13 goals in Premier League 2020-21
Marcus Rashford
8 goals in Premier League 2020-21
West Ham
Jarrod Bowen
5 goals in Premier League 2020-21
Haller
3 goals in Premier League 2020-21
