Dugout Discussion – West Ham vs Man United

Tuesday evening treats us to just a single head-to-head as West Ham host Man United in the final league fixture to take place at the Boleyn Ground. The outcome of this evening’s match could have significant repercussions in the race for European places, with the visitors requiring a win to leapfrog neighbours City in the race for fourth spot and Champions League football.

Delving into the attacking data, the numbers bode well for both teams tonight. In terms of overall attempts across their respective last four, both West Ham (70) and United (65) sit amongst the top five, with the Hammers bettering their visitors by 42 shots inside the box to 35. Indeed, Slaven Bilic’s side have produced more than double the number of big chances (13 to six) than the Red Devils, which bodes well for their chances of bouncing back from Saturday’s disastrous home defeat at the hands of Swansea.

Looking at the defensive numbers, though, United’s defence have conceded just 24 shots inside the box over the same time frame – only Newcastle (17) have managed less. Whilst the Red Devils’ recent resilience is summed up by just one goal against – compared to their hosts’ seven strikes conceded – it’s somewhat surprising to see that Bilic’s side have allowed the opposition only four more efforts (28) from close-range than their visitors ahead of tonight’s encounter.