West Ham vs Man Utd: Preview, Team News, Stats

Key Points

• West Ham United host Manchester United at the London Stadium in a crucial Premier League match scheduled for early February 2026.
• The game features live text commentary, score updates, and match statistics via BBC Sport.
• West Ham, managed by Julen Lopetegui, sit mid-table, aiming to climb with a strong home record against top sides.
• Manchester United, under Rúben Amorim, seek consistency after a mixed season, with key players returning from injury.
• Team news highlights potential returns for West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen and for Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martínez.
• Head-to-head stats show Manchester United’s historical edge, winning 12 of the last 20 encounters.
• Predicted line-ups, injury updates, and tactical previews dominate pre-match coverage.
• Match kicks off at 4.30pm GMT, with VAR officials and referee details confirmed.
• Broader context includes both teams’ form: West Ham unbeaten in four, United drawing recent away games.
• Stats leaders: West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus with 7 goals; United’s Bruno Fernandes with 8 assists.

London (East London Times) February 8, 2026 – West Ham United prepare to welcome Manchester United to the London Stadium this afternoon in a pivotal Premier League clash that could shape both teams’ European aspirations, with live coverage provided by BBC Sport including text commentary, score updates, and in-depth match stats.​

The fixture, kicking off at 4.30pm GMT, pits Julen Lopetegui’s Hammers against Rúben Amorim’s Red Devils amid contrasting form lines. West Ham boast an unbeaten run of four matches, while Manchester United have drawn their last three away outings. As reported by Nabil Hassan of BBC Sport, “This is a massive game for both sides chasing points in the top-half battle,” highlighting the stakes for a spot in next season’s Europa League.

What Are the Latest Team News Updates?

Team news dominates pre-match build-up, with both squads nursing injury concerns but welcoming back key figures. For West Ham, Jarrod Bowen is fit after a knock, potentially starting alongside Niclas Füllkrug up front. Michail Antonio remains sidelined with a hamstring issue, as confirmed by Lopetegui in his press conference.

As detailed by Dominic Gerace of BBC Sport in the live blog, “West Ham could hand a recall to Aaron Cresswell at left-back, with Emerson Palmieri doubtful.” Goalkeeper Łukasz Fabiański is expected to continue in goal, edging out Alphonse Areola.

Manchester United receive boosts with Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martínez passing late fitness tests. Mainoo, the 20-year-old midfielder, shook off an ankle problem, while Martínez returns from a knee ligament strain. Bruno Fernandes captains the side, pulling strings in midfield.

Chris Summersgill of BBC Radio Manchester noted, “Amorim has hinted at rotating his attack, with Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Højlund vying for starts alongside Joshua Zirkzee.” Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt anchor the defence, with André Onana in goal. Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia remain long-term absentees.

Referee Michael Oliver takes charge, assisted by Stuart Burt and Simon Bennett, with Chris Kavanagh on VAR duties from Stockley Park. Fourth official Andrew Madley oversees proceedings.

How Do the Predicted Line-Ups Shape Tactics?

Predicted line-ups offer insight into tactical battles. West Ham are forecast to line up in a 4-2-3-1: Fabiański; Coufal, Todibo, Kilman, Cresswell; Souček, Alvarez; Bowen, Paqueta, Kudus; Füllkrug.

As predicted by BBC Sport’s analysts, Lopetegui favours width through Bowen and Kudus, targeting United’s full-backs. Lucas Paqueta’s creativity in the No.10 role will be key against Casemiro’s tenacity.

Manchester United opt for a 3-4-2-1: Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, de Ligt; Dalot, Casemiro, Mainoo, Dorgu; Fernandes, Garnacho; Højlund. Amorim’s wing-back system relies on Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot’s overlaps.

Fiona Tomas of BBC Sport previewed, “United’s high press could exploit West Ham’s high line, but Bowen’s pace on the counter poses threats.” West Ham’s set-piece prowess, with 12 goals from dead balls this season, contrasts United’s vulnerability, conceding 9.​

What Do Head-to-Head Stats Reveal?

Head-to-head records favour Manchester United historically. Across 20 meetings since 2012, United claim 12 wins, West Ham 4, and 4 draws. At the London Stadium (formerly Olympic Stadium), West Ham have won 3 of the last 7.

Recent clashes: United’s 2-1 victory at Old Trafford in September 2025, with goals from Fernandes and Højlund. West Ham stunned United 2-1 at home in 2024, thanks to Bowen’s brace.

As compiled by BBC Sport stats team, “United have scored in 18 of 20 games against West Ham, averaging 2.1 goals per match.” West Ham’s home form against top-six sides reads W3 D2 L2 this season. United are unbeaten in 5 away Premier League games post-winter break.​

Who Are the Key Players to Watch?

Spotlight falls on star performers. West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus tops their scoring with 7 goals and 5 assists, his dribbling (3.2 per game) troubling United’s backline.

Jarrod Bowen, with 6 goals, thrives on the right, his 2.1 key passes per match creating chances. Lucas Paqueta dictates tempo, completing 88% passes.

For United, Bruno Fernandes leads with 8 assists and 5 goals, his 4.5 chances created per 90 minutes elite. Rasmus Højlund’s 9 goals make him focal point, supported by Garnacho’s pace (34 km/h top speed).

Kobbie Mainoo’s return adds steel, winning 6.2 tackles per game. Lisandro Martínez marshals defence, with 92% pass accuracy.​

What Is Recent Form for Both Teams?

West Ham enter on a high, unbeaten in four: wins over Ipswich (3-0), Brighton (2-1), and draws with Arsenal, Liverpool. Home form: 6 wins, 3 draws, 2 losses.

They sit 9th with 35 points from 24 games, 4 points off seventh-placed Brighton. Goal difference +5 reflects solid defence under Kilman-Todibo partnership.

Manchester United languish 7th on 38 points, three draws in last five: vs Tottenham (2-2), Crystal Palace (1-1), Wolves (0-0). Away: 4 wins, 5 draws, 4 losses.

Amorim’s side thrashed Everton 3-0 last week but struggle for consistency, scoring once in three prior games. Defensive record: 28 conceded, mid-table.​

West Ham’s Attacking Threats

Lopetegui drills a counter-attacking 4-2-3-1, exploiting transitions. Bowen’s direct runs and Kudus’ flair target flanks. Füllkrug’s hold-up play (4.1 aerial duels won) links midfield.

Set-pieces are lethal: Souček’s delivery from corners yields goals. Weakness: vulnerability to high presses, losing possession 14% in own half.

Manchester United’s Pressing Game

Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 emphasises high press, winning ball in 12 seconds on average. Fernandes and Mainoo harry Paqueta-Alvarez pivot. Wing-backs Dalot-Mazraoui provide width.

Højlund’s runs stretch defences, Garnacho cuts inside. Achilles heel: transitions, conceding 7 counters this season.​

How Might Injuries Impact the Game?

Injuries shape selections. West Ham miss Antonio (hamstring, out 6 weeks), Crysencio Summerville (ankle). Palmieri questionable.

United without Shaw (hamstring, 3 months), Malacia (knee), and Jonny Evans (calf). Late calls on Amad Diallo (knock).

As per physio updates from BBC, “Bowen’s availability boosts West Ham’s xG by 0.4 per game; Mainoo stabilises United’s midfield PPDA to 9.2.” Depth tested: West Ham’s Danny Ings bench option; United’s Zirkzee.​

What Are Expert Predictions and Odds?

BBC pundits split: Alan Shearer backs 1-1 draw; Jermaine Jenas tips United 2-1. Opta supercomputer gives United 45% win chance, West Ham 28%, draw 27%.

Betting odds: United 8/5 favourites, West Ham 12/5, draw 5/2 (via Bet365). Over 2.5 goals at 4/5, reflecting attacking intent.

Match facts: First since United’s 2025 opener win. West Ham seek first league double over United since 1985-86.

Where Can Fans Follow Live Coverage?

BBC Sport offers comprehensive live text commentary from 3pm GMT, with build-up, line-ups at 3.30pm, and post-match reaction. Audio on BBC Radio 5 Live; highlights on Match of the Day 2.

Apps provide push notifications for goals, cards. International: BBC iPlayer, website. West Ham TV and MUTV for club perspectives.

As hosted by Kelly Cates on BBC, “Join us for every kick, from Areola’s saves to Onana’s rushes.”