Manchester United vs West Ham live updates: Cunha, Heaven in line up for Premier League game – The Athletic

With the table so congested, winning games can change a team’s mood and prospects significantly.

Manchester United were 12th going into last Sunday’s game at Crystal Palace, but by coming from behind to win, they climbed to seventh, just four points behind second-placed Manchester City.

(They are now ninth, seven points behind City, after City won on Tuesday). At some point this season, they will find a buoyancy level. At the moment, that feels likely to be between, say, fifth and 10th.

But with no European or Carabao Cup commitments, they have a lighter schedule than most of their rivals and an opportunity to push on and set their sights higher.

West Ham, on Sunday’s evidence, are unlikely to trouble them.

Score prediction: Manchester United 2-0 West Ham