Source: Manchester_EveningNews
United v West Ham: Preview
Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic could be back to bolster Manchester United's Premier League title challenge against West Ham. Sir Alex Ferguson has not had his first-choice central defensive partnership available since October but with Ferdinand now clear of suspension and Vidic over the nerve problem that has prevented him making an appearance in 2010, both are expected to start against the Hammers. With the Carling Cup final just five days away, Ferguson might have been tempted to rest Wayne Rooney but that hardly seems likely in the wake of Saturday's defeat at Everton that left the Reds four points adrift of Chelsea. Nani is still suspended. One man keen to make an impression is former Hammer Michael Carrick. As someone who has finished a champion in each of his three full seasons since his £18.6million move to Old Trafford from Tottenham, Carrick is reluctant to let than run come to an end.[LNB] However, he knows extending it means inflicting some pain on West Ham, the club where he started his career and who he clearly retains a lot of affection for.[LNB] "West Ham gave me my chance," he said.[LNB] "They took me away from home, taught me a lot of things and guided me through.[LNB] "They gave me a chance in the first team, so I have a lot to thank them for.[LNB] "I still have a lot of friends there who I like to see when I go back.[LNB] "But, obviously, when we kick off it is business as usual and I am desperate to get the win."[LNB] West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola, meanwhile, has doubts over striker Benni McCarthy for the trip. The South African star, who signed for the Hammers on the last day of the January transfer window, has been out with a knee problem since the 2-1 defeat at Burnley on February 10. England midfielder Kieron Dyer and defender Danny Gabbidon (both hamstring) are not yet fully fit. Herita Ilunga is set to miss out with a tendon injury while Luis Boa Morte (knee), Calum Davenport (leg) and Zavon Hines (knee) are all long-term absentees.[LNB] Manchester United (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Foster, Neville, Brown, Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evans, Evra, Fabio, Park, Anderson, Valencia, Carrick, Scholes, Fletcher, Gibson, Rooney, Owen, Berbatov, Diouf. West Ham United (from): Green, Stech, Spector, Faubert, Tomkins, Da Costa, Daprela, Parker, Behrami, Kovac, Collison, Diamanti, Stanislas, Cole, Mido, Ilan, Franco. United league form: WWWDL West Ham league form: DDLWW Key opponent: Carlton Cole - powerhouse centre forward always a handful Prediction: United 3 West Ham 1 - The Hammers are in form, but their style should suit United Agree with the prediction? Have your say. Click here for all the latest odds from Betfred. [LNB]
