Hammers fired up for acid test

MANCHESTER United’s Premier League title credentials are likely to face a thorough examination on Sunday.

At first glance, a trip to West Ham should hardly send shock waves through Sir Alex Ferguson’s all-conquering outfit.

But study the Hammers’ recent form and it is clear that United will not have things all their own way at the Boleyn Ground.

Last weekend’s 0-0 draw at Arsenal was the most recent in a host of impressive league results built on tight defence and no shortage of flair going forward.

Under the stewardship of former Chelsea favourite Gianfranco Zola, West Ham have absorbed the loss in the transfer market of several key players to force their way up the Premier League table.

They are currently in eighth place, a comfortable 10 points clear of the relegation places and even entertaining hopes of a UEFA Cup spot should the likes of Everton, Wigan and Arsenal fall by the wayside.

Hammers goalkeeper Robert Green has been one of the stars of the team this season, but was quick to praise those in front of him.

He said: “It’s been a tremendous effort by everyone. The main thing is we keep the momentum going in the team.

“Everyone is really encouraged by our recent run of form, we’re playing as a team and everyone is a happy camper.”

Green realises that United will provide the Hammers with their sternest challenge of the season, but is looking forward to Sunday’s showdown.

“Confidence is good and Upton Park will be rocking.

“They (United) are on a tremendous run of form but we’re not doing too badly either. It’s competitive so it should make it a great game.”

United have not conceded a league goal for 1,122 minutes, but their defenders will have to be on their toes to keep out Hammers strikers Carlton Cole and David Di Michele, who have struck up a fine partnership.

The former, who never got the opportunities he craved at Chelsea, has blossomed under the guidance of Zola, while 32-year-old Italian Di Michele has proved a shrewd acquisition and has a style of play not unlike that of his manager.

United boss Ferguson acknowledges the task facing his side on Sunday, but the Reds could hardly be in better form after a succession of wins which have catapulted them to the top, two points ahead of stuttering Liverpool, with a game in hand.

Dimitar Berbatov, finally settling down to his best football following his summer move from Tottenham, has been scoring vital goals in recent weeks and, in the continued absence of the injured Wayne Rooney, is likely to continue his partnership with ex-Hammer Carlos Tevez up front.