Michael Owen believes that West Ham United are the more likely winners when they welcome Manchester United to the London Stadium on Sunday.
The former Red Devil insisted that the Hammers will have been disappointed with their goalless draw against Aston Villa on Monday, and has predicted much more goalmouth action in East London.
Owen has predicted that his former side are in for a severe test against Manuel Pellegrini’s men, after picking up draws in their first two away games of the season.
West Ham picked up all three points in this fixture last season with a convincing 3-1 victory at the end of September, thanks to goals from Felipe Anderson and Marko Arnautovic.
“If there is to be a winner at the London Stadium I believe it will be the Irons from what promises to be a hugely entertaining game,” he wrote on his BetVictor blog.
“Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have drawn on the road at both Wolves and Southampton so far this season and this will be another severe test of their top-four credentials.”
OPINION
Pellegrini will be telling his side to continue their form when Manchester United visit East London on Sunday. The Chilean will have the game against the Red Devils from last season in his head and will be hoping for the same outcome after the match. The Hammers have started the season brightly and sit on eight points – the same amount as their next opponents. Goal difference separates the two sides after only one defeat apiece, but the Hammers’ loss to Manchester City can not be compared to Solskjaer’s side losing to Crystal Palace – a defeat that highlighted that their soft side from recent years hasn’t fully left them. The Hammers will be looking to take advantage of that, and with key players such as Daniel James, Paul Pogba, Anthony Martial and Luke Shaw missing training for the Premier League giants [Samuel Luckhurst], West Ham could be facing a weakened side. Pellegrini will know if his side are at their fluent best, then they will be a test for any side this season, and if they want to qualify for European football, these are the games they must be winning.
