Mid-week victors come face to face in the BPL

Manchester United are the defending champions in the Barclays Premier League. Their form since the start of the 2013-2104 season does not suggest that they are. Inconsistency and injuries to key players have plagued the Red Devils, who find themselves languishing in mid-table and in danger of being cut adrift by the top teams.

Manchester United are the defending champions in the Barclays Premier League. Their form since the start of the 2013-2104 season does not suggest that they are. Inconsistency and injuries to key players have plagued the Red Devils, who find themselves languishing in mid-table and in danger of being cut adrift by the top teams.

Following back to back losses in the league to Newcastle and Everton, United have managed to string three wins together to restore some confidence.  The wins have come in three different competitions and seen them progress to the next stage in two. 

Now they face West Ham at Old Trafford in the league, after both teams recorded wins in the league cup on Wednesday to progress to the semifinals of that competition.  Both teams will be hoping that midweek success will inspire their respective outfits to claim three vital points as the holiday fixtures get under way in earnest. 

 United manager, David Moyes and his team, will be acutely aware of the big clash between Arsenal and Chelsea on Monday night . The fact that at least one or maybe both will drop points provides a chance to cut into the 10 points now separating Man Utd from the top spot.

Sam Allerdyce will be hoping that his troops will be fired up enough for a repeat of their heroics at White Hart Lane against Tottenham Hotspurs on Wednesday where they spoilt the managerial debut of Spurs legend Tim Sherwood.

West Ham are just a point above the drop zone and will view the game at the home of the champions as a game in which they must get at least a point. With the fear factor no longer in evidence at Old Trafford, it is fair to expect a Sam Allerdyce team to give it a right good go from the first whistle.

With Spurs not facing Southampton until Sunday, a United victory will see the champions move up one spot to 7th in the table.

Photo: Wayne Rooney (Reuters)