Niclas Fullkrug will not be too pleased with the Premier League announcement ahead of West Ham United’s visit to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United.
Nuno Espirito Santo will be looking to put the 2-0 loss against Liverpool in the rear-view mirror and pick up points from their trip to the north-west of England.
Ruben Amorim’s side beat Crystal Palace 2-1 away from home and will be going into the game with confidence, starting this one as favourites.
Nuno Espirito Santo after Bournemouth v West Ham United - Premier League
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Niclas Fullkrug will not be pleased with Premier League’s officiating decision
The Premier League announced that Andrew Kitchen will be the on-field referee for West Ham’s game against Manchester United.
Dan Cook and Ian Hussin will be his assistants, with Michael Salisbury serving as the fourth official.
The VAR and assistant VAR for the contest will be Peter Bankes and Eddie Smart, respectively.
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The fact that Kitchen will be calling the shots is unlikely to sit well with Fullkrug.
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Kitchen was in charge of last season’s game between West Ham and Southampton that ended 1-1.
In that game, Fullkrug found the back of the net and even began to celebrate, but he was deemed to have committed a foul on Aaron Ramsdale in the Saints’ goal.
That strike would have secured the three points for the Hammers and given the Germany international some confidence, so he’s likely to be fuming that Kitchen will be the referee for the game against Manchester United on Thursday.
West Ham United v Chelsea - Premier League
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Paul Merson predicts scoreline for Manchester United vs West Ham United clash
Paul Merson expects both Manchester United and West Ham to find the back of the net at Old Trafford.
The former Arsenal striker has predicted the hosts to run out comfortable winners despite their recent struggles.
He has backed Amorim’s side to win 3-1, which would further add to Nuno’s misery in his fight against relegation.
The Hammers go into the next matchweek in 17th place and could end it as low as 19th if they lose and results elsewhere do not go in their favour.
It is important for them to put up a fight as they did in the first half against Liverpool, as they cannot let the losses accumulate.
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