West Ham v Man Utd preview

06 February 2009 11:08
Manchester United travel to West Ham on Sunday looking to extend their record-breaking run in the league.[LNB] The Red Devils have not lost in the league since their 2-1 reverse against Arsenal in November, a period which stretches over 12 games.[LNB]The game at Emirates Stadium was also the last time the Red Devils conceded a league goal, resulting in goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar breaking the Premier League record set by Petr Cech in 2003/04 for the most minutes without conceding in the league.[LNB]United's 1-0 win over Everton last week saw the Dutch stopper add the Football League record to his collection after surpassing Reading's Steve Death's effort of going 1,103 minutes without being beaten in league competition in 1979.[LNB]The record-breaking run has taken Sir Alex Ferguson's side to the summit of the table where they sit two points above Liverpool with a game in hand.[LNB]Meanwhile, Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola has been quietly been improving the fortunes of the Upton Park club.[LNB]West Ham are currently six games unbeaten in the league and will be confident of upsetting the champions after holding Arsenal to a draw at Emirates Stadium last time out.[LNB]The former Chelsea star has his side playing some attractive football at present and striker Carlton Cole in particular is flourishing under the Italian's guidance.[LNB]West Ham team newsJanuary signing Savio could make his full debut on Sunday after coming off the bench in his only two appearances for the club against Hull City and Arsenal.[LNB]Midfielder Radoslav Kovac could also make his debut for the Hammers after the 29-year-old began training this week for the first time since arriving on loan from Spartak Moscow in the window. [LNB]Fellow midfielder Kieron Dyer is struggling with a muscle injury after making just two substitute appearances since recently recovering from a broken leg which kept him out for 17 months.[LNB]Striker Dean Ashton (ankle) and defender Danny Gabbidon (groin) remain long term casualties.[LNB]United team newsStriker Wayne Rooney could make a return from a hamstring injury which has kept him out of the team's last five games, with United winning them all.[LNB]Boss Ferguson knows that if he recalls the 23-year-old he is then likely to be named in Fabio Capello's squad to face Spain on Wednesday.[LNB]Full-back Patrice Evra is back in training and vying for a first team place after injuring his ankle in the 3-0 win over Chelsea on 11th January.[LNB]Winger Nani is also in contention after he overcame a groin injury he picked up in the Carling Cup semi-final second leg against Derby over two weeks ago.[LNB]Midfielder Anderson (ankle), defenders Rafael (hamstring), Fabio (groin) and Jonny Evans (ankle) remain sidelined.[LNB]Possible starting XIs[LNB]West Ham: Green, Neill, Ilunga, Collins, Upson, Behrami, Parker, Noble, Collison, Di Michelle, Cole.[LNB]Man Utd: Van der Sar, Brown, Evra, Ferdinand, Vidic, Ronaldo, Park, Carrick, Fletcher, Berbatov, Tevez.[LNB]

Source: SKY_Sports