Analysis:

After the midweek 2-0 win over Tottenham, The Red Devils are in line to make a whole lot of changes to welcome back their senior and more experience side.

In midweek, United showed that the likes of Ritchie de Laet, Darron Gibson, Gabriel Obertan, Danny Welbeck and Federico Macheda can do the job when they took out Tottenham from the Carling Cup competition. But all are expected to make way for the seniors and Gibson who scored two goals will not be in the side.

In middfield United has a fully fit set of players making it difficult for Sir Alex Ferguson to make a decision. Paul Scholes and Darren Fletcher sat out of the match on Tuesday while Michael Carrick was only introduced as a second-half substitute. Anderson is also an option after a good performance against Tottenham. Owen Hargreaves is also due back from his injury but he will not be rushed back so soon.

The Red Devils knows that only a win here will do as they must cut Chelsea's lead at the top by five points. At the same time United will hope that city neighbours Manchester City can do them a favour and beat or take some points away from Chelsea in the later match.

West Ham are just two places off the relegation spot and have struggled much of the season. But they have been beaten just once in their last six matches and that will lift their spirits ahead of this match. They have managed 8 points from a possible 15 points from their home games at Upton Park, including a 2-2 draw with Arsenal in October. However, with United's visit it will be an entirely different ball game.

West Ham will have short of options at the front as top scorer Carlton Cole will be out for a number of weeks after injuring his knee last week in the 5-3 win over Burnley. They are further depledted by the fact that Midfielder Valon Behrami is also out after it was revealed he will be missing for three weeks after minor knee surgery. Key defender Matthew Upson also looks likely to sit out with a hamstring problem while forward Alessandro Diamanti is rated doubtful.

To make matters worse Calum Davenport (thigh), Dean Ashton (ankle) and Luis Boa Morte (knee) are all still sidelined.

For the visitors, Edwin van Der Sar will start in goal after he is now fully fit following a collision with Tim Cahill in the 3-0 win over Everton two weeks ago. However John O'Shea (thigh), Jonny Evans (ankle) and Fabio (groin) will all sit out once more having failed to recover from their injuries. Rio Ferdinand (back) is not expected back until Christmas while Hargreaves (knees) has only recently returned to full training so the pair will not be in the starting lineup.

Take Manchester United to win and give the 1 1/4 ball here.

Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser

The Statistics :

The Pick :

Manchester United to win 3-1

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Manchester United to win here.

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take Manchester United and give the 1 1/4 ball here.