Terrace Talk

Without a win in over two years against West Ham, Manchester United cannot afford to falter once more against the Hammers. A myriad of actors have come to perform on the grandest of stages, with Carlos Tevez being the spoiler in last year’s Premiership celebrations. In this year’s fixture it will be United who will be playing for their lives, with the Premiership in the balance. Level on points with Chelsea, and with a dominant goal difference, winning on Saturday brings United half-way to repeating last year’s fantastic success.

The fans have been a tremendous boost to the team since the New Year, and in particular against Barcelona. We often discount the importance of a strong crowd, however it’s proved crucial on too many occasions to ignore. The electric atmosphere will return, given a few days to exhale after an action packed Champions League semi-final. Both sets fof fans have plenty to cheer for and in particular, Carlos Tevez will be given a warm reception by the Hammers.

Carlos Tevez will look to take his goal tally past 13 when facing his old club tomorrow. His goal to keep West Ham in the League last season may have been enough to prove his class for Sir Alex Fergusion, but his worth has truly been proved with goals since his acquisition. Late winners may be worth that much more in an uncanny Ole Gunnar Solskjaer role that Tevez fulfils.

Hi partner in crime this season has been Wayne Rooney, however the talismanic Englishman will most likely see limited playing time with a hip injury received care of Ryan Nelsen. While the Hammers have their own injury concerns, none can measure up to the importance of Wayne Rooney to Manchester United. With 11 United goals being attributed to his assists, he is vital to United’s offensive hopes. Sir Alex Ferguson commented this week that there is a chance Rooney will play some sort of role, however it will most likely be limited

“Rooney has given himself a chance but I don’t know if he will start, maybe he will be on the bench. There has been a lot of improvement in the lad and the bruising on his hip has broken up, but we will still have to see whether he can make tomorrow. We have got a cup final of major importance and we want to make sure he is available for that, so we are not rushing him. We need to make sure he is 100%.”

West Ham have an extensive list of injuries, which include Anton Ferdinand and Freddie Ljungberg will have a significant effect on tomorrow’s outcome with United hoping that an adventurous streak will help expose the Hammer’s backline, without having Ljungberg providing a counterattacking threat.

Alan Curbishley may not have much to play for considering West Ham are solidly in 10th position, however he has been quoted this week trying to motivate his team through reverse psychology to have his players ready for Saturday.

“The whole world will be watching the game on Saturday and we want to show what we can do,” Curbishley said. “We have been accused of packing up and going on holiday and that sort of stuff - it is frustrating when comments like that come out.”

It will be interesting to see how United react after a great victory on Tuesday. They have always shown great mental strength and perseverance during the most difficult of times. For West Ham, their success rests on Curbishley’s success in motivating his players. Most book makers are betting against him, in a game far too important to United.

In addition to this preview, head over to the United Zone Forum’s Matchday thread for numerous stats, pictures, and in game commentary from members.