The Opta supercomputer leans towards Manchester United winning all 3 points against West Ham, given the contrasting form and goals of the two sides entering the game.
The late kickoff of Premier League Round 26 will feature a clash between West Ham and Manchester United at London Stadium. This encounter holds very different significance for both teams. West Ham is struggling near the bottom of the table and needs every point in the relegation battle, while Manchester United under coach Michael Carrick aims to break into the top 4.
Data from the Opta supercomputer indicates the balance of victory clearly favors the visitors. According to probability analysis, Manchester United has a 47% chance of winning, nearly double that of West Ham’s 28.6%. The likelihood of a draw is rated at 24.4% by Opta. These figures closely reflect the current form and standing of both sides, despite West Ham playing at home.
Manchester United is experiencing a rare period of success. Since Michael Carrick returned to Old Trafford as head coach, the Red Devils have won 4 consecutive Premier League matches, beating strong opponents like Arsenal, Manchester City, and Tottenham.
Notably, these victories have been convincing, driven by a faster, more direct, and effective style of play compared to before. MU’s attack has scored in 14 straight games, with Bruno Fernandes continuing as the leader both technically and mentally.
On the other hand, West Ham under coach Nuno Espirito Santo has also shown signs of improvement with 4 wins in their last 5 matches. Players like Crysencio Summerville and new signing Taty Castellanos are injecting fresh energy into the London Stadium attack. However, West Ham’s biggest issue remains their home form. They have won only 4 of their last 20 Premier League home games, a poor record for a team fighting to avoid relegation.
Recent head-to-head history offers some hope for West Ham, as they have beaten MU in their last 3 home meetings at London. Nevertheless, the current context is very different. Manchester United now possesses high confidence, while West Ham still shows many defensive gaps, especially against teams capable of quick transitions.
Regarding squad availability, MU will be without Patrick Dorgu, Mason Mount, and Matthijs de Ligt due to injuries, but their core lineup remains stable. West Ham will miss Lukasz Fabianski and have Jean-Clair Todibo suspended. These absences significantly affect the home side’s squad depth.
This match is not only a battle for points but also holds great personal significance. Famous fan Frank Ilett — who vowed not to cut his hair for nearly 500 days until MU won 5 consecutive gamesis now close to being "freed." If MU triumphs in London early tomorrow morning, it will be a perfect conclusion to Carrick’s effort and the fans’ unwavering faith.