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      Aston Villa vs Man Utd LIVE: Harry Maguire returns for injured Lisandro Martinez – team news, latest updates

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      HARRY MAGUIRE will START in place of the injured Lisandro Martinez as Manchester United hope to close the gap on the top four with a win against Aston Villa TODAY!The Red Devils picked up three points last time out with a comprehensive win over West Ham at Old Trafford.
      A win over the Villans could be a huge boost to Manchester United as they are currently eight points behind.
      Aston Villa have slowed their Champions League charge in recent weeks, having had a muddled set of results.
      Kick-off: 4.30pm GMT.
      TV channel/live stream: Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Football.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL

      Aston Villa XI: Martinez, Cash, Lenglet, Diego Carlos, Moreno, McGinn, Kamara, Luiz, Ramsey, Bailey, Watkins.
      Manchester United XI: Onana, Dalot, Maguire, Varane, Shaw, Mainoo, Casemiro, Bruno, Rashford, Hojlund, Garnacho.

      Follow all the action with our live blog below…
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      Red Devils remain absolutely Feb-ulous
      One of the more astonishing statistics to emerge in the build-up to this fixture is Manchester United’s ability to pick up points in February.
      In fact, the Red Devils are unbeaten in their last 24 Premier League matches to take place during the second month of the year (W15 D9) since losing 1-0 to Newcastle back in 2018 under José Mourinho.
      Copy linkCopiedHow Villa ended home hoodoo
      Unai Emery’s Aston Villa are a force to be reckoned with on their own patch, but that hasn’t always been the case – especially where Manchester United are concerned.
      The Villa won this won this exact fixture 3-1 last season, and in doing so ended a 23-game winless run at home to United in the Premier League.
      Goals from Leon Bailey and Lucas Digne had the hosts two-up inside the opening 11 minutes, and although a Jacob Ramsey own-goal on the stroke of half-time offered United hope, the Villa youngster netted in the right end straight after the break to seal the deal.
      A repeat today and it will be the first time that Villa have won consecutive home league games against the Red Devils since five in a row between 1966 and 1977.

      Copy linkCopiedMainoo man in United midfield
      Erik ten Hag makes just a single change to the team that eased past West Ham (don’t they all?) last weekend.
      Lisandro Martinez suffered an injury against the Hammers that is set to keep him out for a number of weeks, and so United’s Dutch coach recalls the experienced Raphael Varane.
      It means his midfield is once again marshalled by Casemiro and 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo, who has really caught the eye since breaking into the first team at Old Trafford.

      Copy linkCopiedVilla set to keep shape
      Unai Emery makes two changes to the side that he sent out to demolish Sheffield United last week.
      Ezri Konsa is set for a spell on the sidelines and so Matty Cash is drafted back in to replace him at right-back.
      Meanwhile, Youri Tielemans drops to the bench despite his goal at Bramall Lane, and his place in attacking midfield goes to Jacob Ramsey.
      Tielemans is also the one player to drop out of the team following Wednesday’s disappointing FA Cup exit at the hands of Chelsea.

      Copy linkCopiedTen Hag brings in Varane
      Man Utd (4-2-3-1): 24 Onana; 20 Dalot, 5 Maguire, 19 Varane, 23 Shaw; 18 Casemiro, 37 Mainoo; 17 Garnacho, 8 Fernandes, 10 Rashford; 11 Hojlund
      Subs: 1 Bayindir, 2 Lindelof, 4 Amrabat, 14 Eriksen, 16 Diallo, 21 Antony, 35 Evans, 39 McTominay, 62 Forson
      Credit: @ManUtd Twitter
      Copy linkCopiedCash back for Emery’s Villa
      Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): 1 Martinez; 2 Cash, 3 Carlos, 17 Lenglet, 15 Moreno; 44 Kamara, 6 Luiz; 31 Bailey, 41 Ramsey, 7 McGinn; 11 Watkins
      Subs: 25 Olsen, 8 Tielemans, 12 Digne, 14 Torres, 19 Diaby, 22 Zaniolo, 27 Rogers, 29 Kesler-Hayden, Iroegbunam
      Credit: @AVFCOfficial
      Copy linkCopiedVilla favourites to topple United
      Never mind the fact that Manchester United have won on 17 of their 28 Premier League visits to Villa Park, today is all about this United side and this Villa team – and, unsurprisingly, it sees the hosts chalked up as favourites at a shade of odds against.

      Aston Villa win 11/10
      Draw 11/4
      Man Utd win 2/1

      Odds from Paddy Power correct at the time of post publication.
      Copy linkCopiedGood afternoon from Villa Park
      Welcome to live SunSport coverage of Aston Villa against Manchester United in the Premier League.
      After Tottenham’s late, late show yesterday, Villa can move back into the Champions League places this afternoon – but only if they avoid defeat.
      That’s something the Claret and Blue have become adept at on home soil in the past year although they did falter last time out here against Newcastle.
      Kick-off is at 4.30pm, and teams news is coming up…

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      Crystal Palace vs Chelsea: Blues look to get back to winning ways in Premier League as pressure mounts on Roy Hodgson

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      CHELSEA travel to London rivals Crystal Palace for a huge Premier League clash on Monday night.The Blues were in action in midweek as they beat Aston Villa 3-1 in an FA Cup replay to secure their spot in the fifth round.
      Chelsea beat Aston Villa 3-1 in the FA Cup on Wednesday nightCredit: GETTY
      Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson is under pressureCredit: GETTY
      Mauricio Pochettino saw a much-improved performance from his side on Wednesday night and will be hoping they can now take it into the league.
      Chelsea have been on the receiving end of back-to-back heavy defeats in the Premier League and find themselves 11th in the table.
      Meanwhile, Roy Hodgson’s position as Crystal Palace boss has reportedly been under threat after the Eagles were thrashed 4-1 by bitter rivals Brighton last time out.
      When is Crystal Palace vs Chelsea?

      Crystal Palace vs Chelsea will take place on Monday, February 12th.
      Kick off will be at 8pm GMT.
      Selhurst Park will host.

      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      What TV channel is Crystal Palace vs Chelsea on and can it be live streamed?

      Crystal Palace vs Chelsea will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event/Premier League.
      Sky Sports customers can live stream the match via the NOW app.
      Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s live blog to keep up to date with all the action from Selhurst Park.

      Team news
      The hosts have been dealt a major blow after Roy Hodgson confirmed that starman Michael Olise suffered a “serious” hamstring injury during the 4-1 defeat to Brighton.
      Defender Marc Guehi suffered a knee problem last weekend and will miss Monday’s clash with Chelsea.
      Eberechi Eze will also be unavailable alongside long-term absentees Rob Holding, Cheick Doucoure and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi.
      Most read in Football
      For Chelsea, Benoit Badiashile was forced off during the closing stages against Villa in midweek, and it is a doubt for Monday night.
      Fellow defender Levi Colwill could return to the squad after missing the last four matches with a tendon injury.
      Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez has made a partial return to training and could make the bench for Chelsea’s trip to Selhurst Park.
      Long-term absentees Reece James, Romeo Lavia, Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana remain out.
      What are the odds?
      Match result

      Crystal Palace – 18/5
      Draw – 27/10
      Chelsea – 3/4

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and are correct at the time of publication. More

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      Nigeria vs Ivory Coast – Afcon 2023 final: Kick-off time, team news as hosts face Osimhen and Co in huge showpiece clash

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      IVORY COAST take on Nigeria in the African Cup of Nations final on Saturday.The host nation reached the final after edging out the DR Congo 1-0 thanks to a goal from Sebastien Haller.
      Sebastien Haller scored the winning goal against DR CongoCredit: AFP
      Nigeria beat South Africa to reach the finalCredit: EPA
      The former West Ham striker volleyed an unconventional strike over and past Lionel Mpasi in the second half.
      The Ivorians held out to seal the win and set up the final against Nigeria.
      They enjoyed their celebrations in the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé as Chelsea legend Didier Drogba also got involved.
      Nigeria made their own way to the last two after a tense clash with South Africa in the semi-final.
      READ MORE IN AFCON
      The Super Eagles looked to have done the job inside 90 minutes thanks to William Troost-Ekong’s penalty.
      However, extra time was forced as Teboho Mokoena also converted from the spot.
      A penalty shootout was needed to separate the sides as Nigeria scrapped though.
      The matter of the trophy will be decided at the Olympic Stadium.
      Most read in Football
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      Ivory Coast has had an up-and-down tournament, having lost two of their group games.
      They only qualified as one of the best third-placed teams which saw them sack manager Jean-Louis Gasset mid-tournament.
      Watch Chelsea legend Didier Drogba’s wild celebrations as Ivory Coast storm into Africa Cup of Nations final
      The nation made a loan enquiry to appoint Herve Rennard from the French women’s team.
      He did not take the role and forgotten Premier League flop Emerse Fae took on the job and has had a great impact.
      The tournament has been full of thrills throughout, as former Manchester United flop Bebe and ex-West ham star Arthur Masuaku scoring brilliant free-kicks.
      Meanwhile, Morocco star Youssef En-Nesyri had to celebrate his goal from the bench, and Yves Bissouma playing while suffering from malaria.
      Team news
      Nigeria star Victor Osimhen was passed fit to play against South Africa despite initial concerns over an abdominal injury.
      He should be fine to face Ivory Coast in the final on Saturday.
      Meanwhile Ola Aina, Moses Simon and Calvin Bassey all escaped bookings in the semi-finals and are available for selection.
      Ivory Coast will welcome back trio Serge Aurier, Odilon Kossounou and Oumar Diakite after they complete their suspensions.
      Who will be the star men?
      Sebastien Haller is playing two years on from his cancer diagnosisCredit: AP
      Victor Osimhen is one of the world’s best strikerCredit: AP
      Sebastien Haller will want to play a key role for the Ivory Coast in the final.
      The former Hammer scored the decisive goal in the semi-final to take with his first of the tournament.
      He will have some stern competition, however, as Nigeria has its own attacking talisman.
      Osimhen may have only scored once during his six appearances, but he will be keen to add to that tally.
      The Napoli striker is considered one of the most prolific in Europe and could fire Nigeria to Afcon glory on Saturday.
      What have the managers said?
      Jose Peseiro wants to lead Nigeria to glorlyCredit: AFP
      Emerse Fae was appointed midway through the tournamentCredit: AP
      Nigeria manager Jose Peseiro has always insisted that when he took the job, he had one aim, and that was to win Afcon.
      He told BBC Sport Africa: “When I signed the contract, I said I want to win the Afcon.
      “Either way, I don’t know if everybody believed or not. I have believed since the first moment.
      “We haven’t won nothing until now – we want to win the Afcon.”
      Ivory Coast manager Emerse Faé has claimed that it is a “dream” to have led the team to the final.
      He said: “We are happy, we’re really moved. It’s like a dream, when you go back two weeks to the defeat here against Equatorial Guinea.
      “It was hard then to imagine that we might qualify for the final of our own Afcon.”
      SunSport prediction
      Nigeria 1 Ivory Coast 3
      When is Nigeria vs Ivory Coast?

      Nigeria’s big Afcon final clash with Ivory Coast will take place on Sunday, January 11.
      The game will kick off at 8pm UK time.
      Nigeria vs Ivory Coast will be played at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?

      Nigeria vs Ivory Coast will be shown live on Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Sports Football and BBC Three in the UK.
      You can live stream the action from the NOW TV or Sky Go app, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      The game is also available to stream for FREE from the BBC iPlayer, so long as you have a valid TV licence.

      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Odds

      Nigeria – 31/20
      Draw – 19/10
      Ivory Coast – 2/1
      Nigeria to lift trophy – 3/4
      Ivory Coast to lift trophy – 2/1

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication. More

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      Nigeria vs South Africa – Afcon semi-final: Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana look for final spot – stream, TV, team news

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      NIGERIA will face South Africa in the semi-final of Afcon TONIGHT.The Super Eagles booked their place in the last four with a 1-0 win over Angola on Friday.
      Ademola Lookman was the difference maker against AngolaCredit: GETTY
      Ronwen Williams was the hero for South Africa against Cape Verde with four penalty saves in the shootoutCredit: AP
      Former Premier League star Ademola Lookman was the difference maker with a thumping strike on 40 minutes.
      Nigeria have won the Nations Cup three times, with their last tournament triumph coming in 2013 when they beat Burkina Faso 1-0 in the final.
      The Super Eagles will face South Africa in this year’s semi-final after the latter booked their spot in the last four with a win over Cape Verde.
      Bafana Bafana shot-stopper Ronwen Williams was the hero after he became the first goalkeeper to save four penalties in an Afcon shootout.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      When is Nigeria vs South Africa?

      Nigeria vs South Africa will take place on Wednesday, February 7th.
      The match will kick off at 5pm GMT.
      The Stade de la Paix in Bouake will host.

      What TV channel is Nigeria vs South Africa on and can it be live streamed?

      Nigeria vs South Africa will be broadcast live on BBC Two and Sky Sports Main Event.
      You can live stream the match for FREE on BBC iPlayer, providing you have a valid TV license.
      Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog.

      Team news
      Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen was taken off late on against Angola on Friday night with an apparent injury.
      However, the Napoli striker was pictured walking freely away from the stadium after the match.
      Most read in Football
      Hugo Broos will be hoping his South Africa side came through their gruelling 120-minute quarter-final unscathed.
      What are the odds?
      Match result

      Nigeria – 3/5
      Draw – 5/2
      South Africa – 6/1

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and are correct at the time of publication. More

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      Ivory Coast vs DR Congo – Afcon semi-final: Hosts take on underdogs for spot in final – stream, TV channel, team news

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      IVORY COAST are on step away from reaching the Africa Cup of Nations 2023 final on home territory. The Elephants have been brilliant so far but will have to be at their best again to get past plucky underdogs DR Congo.
      Ivory Coast beat Mali to reach the semi-finals of Afcon 2023
      DR Congo’s Arthur Masuaku celebrates with teammates after scoring his side’s third goal against Guinea
      Ivory Coast overcame Mali in sensational circumstances in the quarter-finals to reach the Afcon semis.
      Two goals, once in the 92nd minute and again in the 120th minute sealed their meeting with DR Congo.
      The Leopards, meanwhile, beat Guinea 3-1 and even knocked out Egypt on penalties in the last-16.
      When is Ivory Coast vs DR Congo?

      Ivory Coast’s clash with DR Congo takes place TONIGHT at 8pm GMT.
      The match will be held at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?

      Ivory Coast vs DR Congo will be broadcast live on BBC Three and Sky Sports Football.
      You can live stream the match for FREE on BBC iPlayer, providing you have a valid TV license.
      Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog.

      Team news
      Ivory Coast will be without suspended Serge Aurier for their huge semi-final.
      Simon Adingra scored the equaliser against Mali last week and could get a start here alongside Sebastian Haller.
      And Ibrahim Sangare could return to the XI in place one Franck Kessie.
      Most read in Football
      For DR Congo, they could be without former Chelsea man Gael Kakuta, but they’ll ne more worried about Arthur Masuaku’s risk of suspension for the final.
      Odds

      Ivory Coast – 21/20
      Draw – 9/5
      DR Congo – 5/2
      Ivory Coast to qualify – 8/15
      DR Congo to qualify – 27/20

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication. More

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      Nigeria vs South Africa – Afcon 2023 semi-final: Super Eagles look to book spot in huge final – stream, TV, team news

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      NIGERIA will face South Africa in the semi-final of Afcon 2023 on Wednesday night.The Super Eagles booked their place in the last four with a 1-0 win over Angola on Friday.
      Ademola Lookman was the difference maker against AngolaCredit: GETTY
      Ronwen Williams was the hero for South Africa against Cape Verde with four penalty saves in the shootoutCredit: AP
      Former Premier League star Ademola Lookman was the difference maker with a thumping strike on 40 minutes.
      Nigeria have won the Nations Cup three times, with their last tournament triumph coming in 2013 when they beat Burkina Faso 1-0 in the final.
      The Super Eagles will face South Africa in this year’s semi-final after the latter booked their spot in the last four with a win over Cape Verde.
      Bafana Bafana shot-stopper Ronwen Williams was the hero after he became the first goalkeeper to save four penalties in an Afcon shootout.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      When is Nigeria vs South Africa?

      Nigeria vs South Africa will take place on Wednesday, February 7th.
      The match will kick off at 5pm GMT.
      The Stade de la Paix in Bouake will host.

      What TV channel is Nigeria vs South Africa on and can it be live streamed?

      Nigeria vs South Africa will be broadcast live on BBC Two and Sky Sports Main Event.
      You can live stream the match for FREE on BBC iPlayer, providing you have a valid TV license.
      Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog.

      Team news
      Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen was taken off late on against Angola on Friday night with an apparent injury.
      However, the Napoli striker was pictured walking freely away from the stadium after the match.
      Most read in Football
      Hugo Broos will be hoping his South Africa side came through their gruelling 120-minute quarter-final unscathed.
      What are the odds?
      Match result

      Nigeria – 3/5
      Draw – 5/2
      South Africa – 6/1

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and are correct at the time of publication. More

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      Man Utd vs West Ham: Erik ten Hag’s side eye back-to-back Premier League wins as they host Irons at Old Trafford

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      MANCHESTER UNITED host West Ham this weekend looking to leapfrog them in the Premier League table.The Red Devils nearly blew it once again at Wolves in midweek, but found a way to win 4-3 via Kobbie Mainoo’s special late strike.
      Kobbie Mainoo grabbed a dramatic late winner against WolvesCredit: Getty
      James Ward-Prowse’s penalty earned West Ham a 1-1 draw against BournemouthCredit: Rex
      Erik ten Hag’s side are desperate to build momentum, having struggled to string wins together consistently this term.
      United have already lost nine times in the Premier League, with one of their lowest moments coming against the Hammers in East London just before Christmas.
      David Moyes’ side triumphed 2-0 on that day, courtesy of goals by Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus.
      The Hammers go into the weekend a single place and point above United in sixth.
      READ MORE IN MAN UTD
      And unlike the Red Devils, they will still have European commitments during the second half of the campaign.
      In their quest to book a fourth consecutive season in Europe next time out, they will be eager to avoid defeat at Old Trafford.
      While United were slugging it out at Molineux, the Hammers were playing out a frustrating 1-1 draw with Bournemouth at London Stadium.
      Moyes will be hoping for much better from his men at Old Trafford on Sunday.
      Most read in Football
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      What is their form like?
      For all their faults, Man Utd remain unbeaten in 2024.
      Erik ten Hag’s side began the year with a 2-0 win at Wigan in the FA Cup, before a thrilling 2-2 home draw with Tottenham.
      A topsy-turvy 4-2 win at Newport County followed, before last night’s equally dramatic 4-3 triumph at Wolves.
      West Ham, meanwhile, have endured a frustrating start to the calendar year.
      Moyes’ men drew 0-0 with Brighton on January 2, before an underwhelming display saw them taken to a replay by Championship Bristol City following a 1-1 draw.
      Struggling for creativity without Kudus during the Africa Cup of Nations, the Hammers were then dumped out of the FA Cup by losing 1-0 at Ashton Gate.
      A controversial 2-2 draw with strugglers Sheffield United followed, before their 1-1 draw against Bournemouth last night.
      Man Utd celebrate edging past WolvesCredit: Reuters
      West Ham fought to a 1-1 draw against the CherriesCredit: Rex
      What is the team news?
      Mason Mount and Tyrell Malacia are nearing returns, but will not be able to feature on Sunday.
      Victor Lindelof and Aaron Wan-Bissaka both missed the clash with Wolves but could return on Sunday if they pass late fitness tests.
      Sofyan Amrabat’s Morocco were knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday, but it remains to be seen if he will be available for Sunday.
      Anthony Martial was recently ruled out for ten weeks following groin surgery.
      West Ham, meanwhile, were boosted by Kudus’ return from Afcon against Bournemouth.
      They will desperately require his creativity against Man Utd, with Lucas Paqueta and Michail Antonio ruled out with injuries.
      Nayef Aguerd was also part of the Morocco team that were knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations, but his status for Sunday is unknown.

      Who will be the star men?
      Having been dropped for the clash with Newport after missing training following a night out in Belfast, Marcus Rashford made a triumphant return to action at Wolves.
      The forward, 26, took just five minutes to break the deadlock, brilliantly bending the ball beyond Jose Sa.
      Having endured a difficult first half of the campaign, Rashford has now scored in his last three Premier League appearances.
      With Ten Hag having shown faith in him at Wolves, Rashford will be looking to repay him again against West Ham.
      The Hammers, meanwhile, have been goal-shy of late, with Moyes set to rely on Jarrod Bowen to get his team firing again.
      Bowen, 27, has 11 Premier League goals this season – but has not scored in his last four games.
      The England international will be eager to end his mini-drought this weekend.

      What have the managers said?
      Erik ten Hag praised his side’s resilience after their victory at Wolves.
      The Dutchman, 54, said: “There’s a great spirit in the squad, in this dressing room.
      “We are on the pitch all together and that’s very good to see. You see the determination, you see the resilience of this squad.
      “They are so eager to get the right results and they want to play good football.”
      On this weekend’s opponents, David Moyes said: “Erik ten Hag is in a privileged position to be manager of Manchester United.
      “I think he understands and respects that. I think he is trying to enforce how he wants the team to play and work, and you have to give him credit for that.
      “When you’re in that job, you are under a lot of pressure. You are expected to win and you are expected to perform well. He understands that.
      “I think he’s trying to get himself through this period and then start building again, and they certainly picked up a good result against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Thursday.”
      Erik ten Hag’s side have won four on the bounceCredit: Getty
      David Moyes is determined to return to winning waysCredit: Reuters
      SunSport prediction
      With Man Utd having won their last four games, and West Ham having struggled of late, we reckon that the Red Devils will have just enough to take all three points.
      SunSport predicts: Man Utd 2 West Ham 1
      When is Man Utd vs West Ham?

      Man Utd vs West Ham will take place on Sunday, February 4th.
      Kick off will be at 2pm GMT.
      Old Trafford will host.

      What TV channel is Man Utd vs West Ham on and can it be live streamed?

      Man Utd vs West Ham will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event.
      Sky Sports customers can live stream the match via the NOW/ Sky Sports app.
      Alternatively, you can stay up to date with all the action from Old Trafford by following SunSport’s live blog.

      What are the odds?
      Match result
      READ MORE SUN STORIES

      Man Utd – 4/6
      Draw – 3/1
      West Ham – 7/2

      *Odds courtesy of Paddy Power and are correct at the time of publication. More