After a long wait, Premier League football is back in action. Jose Mourinho’s first season didn’t go down well as Manchester United found themselves confined in the midst of draws and injuries. However, redemption time has come as the Red Devils will entertain West Ham United in their first match of the new season.
After winning the Europa League and EFL Cup last campaign, expectations have levelled up and the Portuguese gaffer will be looking to aim higher this season.
“The Special One” has been particularly splendid in his second season through out his career as at Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Chelsea again the Portuguese gaffer has done the trick and he will be under the pressure to deliver.
West Ham have shaped up pretty well with a number of signings with the addition of Marko Arnautovic and former Manchester United forward Javier Hernandez. The Hammers had a disappointing season and Slaven Bilic needs to get things right this time around to get back the trust and support.
Predicted Lineup And Injury News
Manchester United
Jose Mourinho has a fully to fit squad to choose from with the exception of Luke Shaw, Ashley Young and Marcos Rojo who have been sidelined with prolonged injuries. Eric Bailly and Phil Jones are in the contention for selection after missing the UEFA Super Cup due to suspension.
De Gea; Valencia, Bailly, Lindelof, Darmian; Herrera, Matic, Pogba; Mkhitaryan, Lukaku, Rashford.
West Ham United
Bilic has some tough calls to make before the crucial opener. A lot is riding on this game as a positive result will see a massive boost and injection of momentum.
Manual Lanzini is set to miss the game after injuring himself in training. Bilic also has to field his team without the services of Sofiane Feghouli, Cheikhou Kouyate, Diafra Sakho, Andy Carroll and Michail Antonio.
Hart; Zabaleta, Fonte, Ogbonna, Masuaku; Fernandes, Noble, Obiang; Ayew, Hernandez, Arnautovic.
Key Players
Manchester United
Romelu Lukaku
The price tag attached to this player would be very hard to ignore. Lukaku showed his touches in the preseason and also opened his account against Real Madrid in the Super Cup. His physical play and pinpoint finishing would make it tough for the Hammers.
West Ham United
Chicharito
Back in his old hunting ground. The Mexican is known for his spontaneous display inside the opponent box and Bilic is hopeful the striker would answer all the questions with his goal scoring skills.
Odds
Manchester United- 3/10
Draw- 19/4
West Ham United- 11/1
