Premier League Odds, Picks, Prediction: Manchester United vs. West Ham United Betting Preview

Man United vs. West Ham Odds

Manchester United hosts West Ham United in a huge Premier League match Saturday at Old Trafford that could decide who finishes inside the top four.

The Red Devils earned a 3-1 victory at Brentford on Wednesday despite getting thoroughly dominated. They've played a particularly easy schedule since manager Ralf Rangnick took over, but still haven't improved since Ole Gunnar Solskjær left the team. This match is a massive step up in competition, so we'll see if United is ready for it.

On the other side, West Ham disappointingly dropped three points at home against Leeds United last weekend, but the club are still in really solid form. Despite all of the injury concerns at the back, manager David Moyes' men have kept pace with Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City in the top-four race.

This match, though, is vital for their chances at potentially finishing in that coveted final Champions League spot.

Can Man United Attack Without Ronaldo?

Sure, Manchester United's offense has feasted on inferior defenses under Rangnick, putting up 8.5 xG in his six matches. I also don’t think they’ll have much trouble creating chances and this will likely turn into an open game.

However, Cristiano Ronaldo looks doubtful to play in this showdown.

Manchester United's defense is still having major issues. Yes, it allowed only 8.2 xG to Norwich City, Newcastle United, Burnley, Wolves, Aston Villa and Brentford. However, all six of those offenses are in the bottom 12 in the Premier League in non-penalty expected goals this season.

Additionally, Rangnick hasn't been able to implement his high-pressing system to the level he desires because the current crop of United players are either unable or unwilling to press as a unit and to the intensity Rangnick wants.

West Ham Flying High on Offense

West Ham is going to continually have to play in these high-scoring matches without Kurt Zouma and Angelo Ogbonna in the lineup.

They have now been without the two of them for 11 matches, and in those games, they’re allowing 1.53 xG per contest. When either one of them or both are in the lineup, West Ham allows only 1.15 xG per outing, per understat.com.

Offensively, West Ham is flying high with 10.7 xG in their last five matches. Jarrod Bowen is maybe the most in-form attacker in the Premier League, with three goals and three assists in his last five matches.

For the season, West Ham is averaging 1.50 xG per match, which is the fourth-best mark in the English top flight.

So, facing a Manchester United side that has leaked goals against some of the top offenses in the Premier League should not be an issue for West Ham.

Betting Analysis & Pick

I only have Manchester United projected at +133, so without Ronaldo in the lineup, I love the Hammers +0.5 at -105 odds and will make it my top selection.

Pick: West Ham +0.5 (-105)