Preview: high-flying West Ham host shaky Manchester United

The London Stadium will become the first Premier League venue to host fans since March, as West Ham face Manchester United in the top-flight’s evening kick-off. Government restrictions mean 2,000 supporters will be allowed to watch the match in the stadium, ending nine months of spectator-less football.

Hammers boss David Moyes has welcomed the return of supporters, noting his club’s responsibility to make the London Stadium a Covid-secure arena.

Moyes said: “I have to say it has been really strange not having fans – but I don’t know if it will be even stranger having only 2,000 back in a 60,000-seater stadium.

“We just want the supporters back. It is a start and the club have done a really good job in making sure that everything is safe and prepared, as have other clubs because we are fully aware of our responsibilities.

“Overall, it is great. I’m sure there will be some people disappointed they haven’t got a ticket just now, but there will be others who are really excited to come back to a game.”

We’ll just have to use the energy or thrive off the home fans and make them quiet hopefully

– Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

His opposite number, Manchester United’s Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, is also excited for the return of fans, the Norwegian said: “It’ll be great playing in front of fans, we’re looking forward to it.

“Of course, we won’t have our fans there but we’ll just have to use the energy or thrive off the home fans and make them quiet hopefully.

“We’re looking forward to it. It’s great to see fans back in a stadium. Of course, we want it back in Old Trafford as well and hopefully we’ll get that soon.

“Football is not the same, it’s not been the same, so great (to see some back).”

West Ham are currently on a fine run of form and will be buoyed by the return of supporters to the London Stadium. The Hammers start the day in fifth position, despite opening the season with an extremely tough run of fixtures.

David Moyes’ side have already played five of the league’s traditional ‘top six’, with this evening’s match against Manchester United set to complete the sextet. Make no mistake, the Red Devils are in for a tough afternoon in the capital.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side sit ninth in the standings after nine matches although a win could see United rise into the top four. The visitors have won just three of the past 11 league meetings between the sides, with West Ham also collecting three victories.

United have blown hot and cold so far this term, as indicated in the side’s recent comeback victory against Everton. With Marcus Rashford nursing an ongoing shoulder injury, Edison Cavani could lead the line for the visitors, paving the way for Anthony Martial to play on the left flank.

Bruno Fernandes has dazzled for the Red Devils of late

Luke Shaw and Phil Jones are United’s only certain absentees, with Michail Antonio and Ryan Fredericks missing for the home side.

If West Ham remain defensively solid – and avoid penalty concessions, United will be in for a tricky afternoon. Bruno Fernandes has dazzled for the Red Devils of late, but West Ham’s defensive trio of Angelo Ogbonna, Fabian Balbuena, and Aaron Cresswell have proven equally formidable.

Attack will meet defence in East London; the winner of that battle will prevail.