The big discussion points ahead of Monday’s teatime visit of Manchester United to London Stadium...
Happy New Year?
Exactly a year ago, West Ham United kicked-off 2016 by welcoming a Premier League big gun from the North West to east London and scored a deserved victory.
Liverpool were the side beaten and, 12 months ago, their biggest rivals Manchester United are the team making to the long journey south.
The Hammers built on victory over the Reds by losing just two of their next 15 Premier League matches to climb to fifth in the table by the end of April.
While that level of achievement may be beyond Slaven Bilic’s squad in 2017, a win over the Red Devils could certainly provide the platform for a Happy New Year!
The Rooney effect
Wayne Rooney likes playing against West Ham United.
In 22 appearances against the Hammers for Everton and Manchester United, Rooney has ended up on the winning side on 15 occasions, losing just three and scoring 12 goals in the process.
Only Aston Villa, Arsenal and Newcastle United have conceded more goals to the England captain during his illustrious career, while no Manchester United player has scored more Premier League goals against West Ham.
In short, the Hammers will be hoping the striker’s thigh injury keeps him out for just a little while longer.
Ch-ch-ch-changes?
With his team playing their second Premier League match in the space of 51 hours, West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic may be tempted to make changes for tonight’s fixture.
The Hammers have welcomed a number of fit-again players back into their squad in recent weeks, with the likes of Manuel Lanzini, Pedro Obiang, Sofiane Feghouli and Edimilson Fernandes all eager for more game-time.
With an Emirates FA Cup third-round tie with Manchester City at London Stadium to follow on Friday evening, the gaffer will surely manage his squad to minimise the risk of injury ahead of the second half of the season.
The question is, who would you pick and who would you rest?
No way, Jose
On Jose Mourinho’s last visit to east London, he spent the second half watching uncomfortably from the rear of the Boleyn Ground Directors Box after being sent-off as West Ham United dismantled his Chelsea side.
On West Ham’s last Premier League visit to Old Trafford, Mourinho spent the second half watching uncomfortably from an as yet unknown venue after being sent-off as the Hammers held his Manchester United side to a 1-1 Premier League draw.
So, will Jose complete an unwanted hat-trick this evening? And, if he does, where will he watch the second half from?
The Final Game
West Ham United welcome Manchester United to east London for the first time since the unforgettable Final Game at the Boleyn Ground back in May 2016.
That match saw the Hammers go ahead, fall behind and then snatch a thrilling 3-2 Premier League victory through Winston Reid’s late header.
Anything approaching the drama of that memorable Wednesday evening will be welcomed by fans of both teams and neutrals alike.
Add in what is sure to be a raucous London Stadium atmosphere under the lights and the stage is set for a grandstand start to 2017!