An important Premier League matchup is on the schedule for Wednesday, July 22, 2020 when Manchester United hosts West Ham. United are looking to secure a Champions League berth and West Ham are looking to officially clinch their safety. This game will air live on NBCSN at 1:00 p.m. EST
Entering Monday, July 20, 2020, Manchester United sit in fifth place, with 62 points, and are currently the first team out of the Champions League. United trails third place Chelsea by one point and are tied with Leicester City at 62 points. Leicester City have played one more game than both United and Chelsea, so they are in real danger of missing out on the Champions League.
West Ham sit in 15th place, with 37 points, and have all but secured their safety in the Premier League for another season. The Hammers are six points clear of 18th place Aston Villa and have a much better goal differential than Villa.
Below is my pick for the Premier League action between Manchester United and West Ham. All odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook.
Manchester United (-385) vs West Ham (+950) Draw (+525)
Last time out, Manchester United played Chelsea in the FA Cup semifinal and suffered a 3-1 defeat. Olivier Giroud got the scoring started in the 45+11th minute and Mason Mount scored in the 46th minute thanks to a David de Gea howler. Chelsea got another one thanks to a Harry Maguire own goal in the 74th minute. United now have six wins, two draws, and one loss since the English season restarted. Entering Monday, July 20, 2020, Manchester United are the fifth best home club in Italy thanks to a 10-6-2 record and 36 points.
West Ham played their game of the season and came away with a 3-1 home win over Watford. Michail Antonio got the scoring started in the 6th minute, Tomas Soucek added a second in the 10th minute, and Declan Rice finished off the onslaught with a beautiful goal in the 36th minute. Troy Deeney got one back in the 49th minute, but it was too late for Watford. The Hammers now have three wins, one draw, and three losses since the Premier League restart. West Ham are the sixth worst road club thanks to a 4-4-10 record and 16 points.
Series History: These two clubs have met 142 times in the past and Manchester United holds a commanding 66-31-45 advantage. West Ham won the reverse fixture 2-0 back in late September.
Soccer Picks: A draw intrigued me at first, but I am going to back Manchester United in this one.
2020 Results: 85-71