West Ham v United: The essential info

The Reds are seeking a fourth consecutive Premier League victory, as well as a ninth in a row on the road.

The hosts sit fifth in the table and are in good form themselves under the stewardship of former United boss David Moyes, having beaten Aston Villa, Sheffield United and Fulham in their last three outings.

Fans will be in attendance for the first time in nine months in England's top-flight, with the Hammers permitted 2,000 supporters as London is a Tier 2 area.

Our must-read match preview will provide you with everything you need to know, ahead of another crucial encounter for the Reds...

ESSENTIAL INFO

Kick-off at the London Stadium will take place at 17:30 GMT and UK-based supporters will be able to watch the game live on Sky Sports Premier League/Main Event. Supporters can also follow our website for rolling updates, and MUTV will provide full build up and radio commentary, as well as full-time reaction. The full match will be available to watch on MUTV the morning after the game.

FORM GUIDE

A Bruno Fernandes goal and a brace from super sub Edinson Cavani completed a stunning 3-2 comeback victory for United over Southampton on Sunday, after being 2-0 down at the break. This victory means United have won all four away games in the league this season and Ole’s men will be looking to make it five in London this weekend. The Reds are currently ninth in the table, but just three points separate us and Chelsea in third place - and we have a game in hand on all eight sides above us.

The Hammers have recovered from losing their opening two fixtures and are currently challenging for the Champions League places after winning five and drawing two of their last eight.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

This will be our 25th away top-flight game against West Ham during the Premier League era and the fifth visit to the London Stadium, since it replaced Upton Park as the Hammers' home venue in 2016. Although United have won nine of those meetings, with West Ham emerging victorious five times, we haven't taken three points in East London since the 2016/17 season, with Moyes's side looking to complete a hat-trick of league victories in this fixture.

FANS RETURN

For the first time this season, fans will be able to attend a Premier League match. West Ham are one of ten Premier League clubs to have been placed in a Tier 2 area by the government and they will therefore be able to welcome 2,000 fans to the London Stadium this weekend. The last top-flight fixture with supporters in attendance was Leicester City v Aston Villa, way back on 9 March.

THE MANAGER

Former United manager David Moyes arrived at West Ham for a second spell in charge of the club in December 2019 and, after guiding the Hammers to safety last season, the Scotsman will be looking to press on. Moyes was in the United hot seat between July 2013 and April 2014 and in that time United won the FA Community Shield, reached the semi-finals of the League Cup, and made it to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League.

OPPOSITION KEY MEN

West Ham’s good early season form has been aided by Jarrod Bowen. The former Hull winger has scored four goals in 10 appearances for West Ham so far and his speed and direct runs have become a crucial part of the way the Hammers play. Midfield fulcrum Declan Rice is also a key figure. The England international hasn't missed a minute of Premier League action since May 2019, and, with Mark Noble seemingly no longer first choice, has been wearing the captain's armband.

MATCH OFFICIALS

Referee: Andre Marriner
Assistants: Simon Long, Eddie Smart
Fourth official: Andy Madley
VAR: Lee Mason
Assistant VAR: Adrian Holmes

RIVALS WATCH

FRIDAY 4 DECEMBER
Aston Villa P-P Newcastle

SATURDAY 5 DECEMBER
Burnley v Everton (12:30 GMT)
Manchester City v Fulham (15:00 GMT)
West Ham v UNITED (17:30 GMT)
Chelsea v Leeds (20:00 GMT)

SUNDAY 6 DECEMBER
West Brom v Crystal Palace (12:00 GMT)
Sheffield United v Leicester (14:15 GMT)
Tottenham v Arsenal (16:30 GMT)
Liverpool v Wolves (19:15 GMT)

MONDAY 7 DECEMBER
Brighton v Southampton (20:00 GMT)