Preview: West Ham United vs. Manchester United

West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has revealed that he is facing an injury crisis in defence ahead of the visit of Manchester United.

With Carl Jenkinson and James Tomkins already in the treatment room, defensive teammates James Collins and Winston Reid have also been ruled out of Sunday's clash, meaning that Joey O'Brien and Alex Song could combine in the centre of defence.

Allardyce is unlikely to risk Andy Carroll after he was injured at Liverpool last week, with Diafra Sahko expected to take his place in attack as he looks to add to his 10 goals for the season.

Despite just one league win in six matches, the Hammers remain in eighth place but they will face further pressure from behind should they fail to register a positive result in East London.

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal is able to welcome back winger Ashley Young after five weeks out with a hamstring injury.

Striker Radamel Falcao will also be hoping for a recall after being dropped for the FA Cup replay with Cambridge United, but Michael Carrick remains absent despite Van Gaal revealing that he should return from a calf injury ahead of schedule.

United head into the game having suffered just one defeat in 16 matches, but Van Gaal will be looking for a bit extra in each area of the pitch when they line up at Upton Park.

The North-West outfit sit just five points behind neighbours Manchester City, but their focus will be on trying to move clear of a group of three teams who are hunting down third position in the standings.

West Ham United:

Form in Premier League: LLDDWL Form in all competitions: DDDWWL

Possible starting lineup: Adrian; O'Brien, Demel, Song, Cresswell; Noble; Amalfitano, Nolan; Downing; Sahko, Valencia

Manchester United:

Form in Premier League: WDDLWW Form in all competitions: WLWDWW

Possible starting lineup: De Gea; Valencia, Jones, Rojo, Shaw; Blind, Mata, Di Maria, Rooney; Van Persie, Falcao

Sports Mole says: 1-3