Sports Mole previews the Premier League clash between West Ham and Man United at Upton Park as the Red Devils look to build on their morale-boosting win in Europe.

David Moyes's Manchester United reign enjoyed undoubtedly its best result yet in midweek.

Robin van Persie scored a hat-trick as the Red Devils completed an unlikely Champions League last-16 comeback by beating Olympiacos 3-0 at Old Trafford.

Winning the competition remains United's best outside chance of securing a seat at Europe's top table for next season, with a 12-point gap still separating them and the Premier League's top four.

Their attentions will turn back to domestic action this weekend, though, when they visit West Ham United looking to build some more momentum ahead of their derby with Manchester City on Tuesday.

Victory against their local rivals would help the English champions regain some of the pride that has been lost from their hugely disappointing season and put a dent in City's title ambitions in the process.

West Ham are first up, though, and looking to bounce back from two straight defeats which have abruptly brought to and end a four-match winning streak which took them clear of the relegation zone.

Sam Allardyce's side are currently six points above water and have record signing Andy Carroll, who scored in the 3-1 loss to Stoke City, available again following injury and suspension.

He is likely to lead the Hammers' line at Upton Park, with Winston Reid maintained in defence after returning from a two-month ankle layoff. Matt Taylor and Matt Jarvis are in contention for recalls.

Moyes could stick with Danny Welbeck following the England international forward's impressive display against Olympiacos, while Van Persie and Wayne Rooney are certain to be picked once again.

That could mean there is no place for £37m January signing Juan Mata or teenager prodigy Adnan Januzaj, but there will be changes in midfield with Ryan Giggs unlikely to play two games in a week.

Marouane Fellaini should be restored in the centre of the park, while Rio Ferdinand and Phil Jones continue in defence, with Nemanja Vidic suspended and Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling injury doubts.

Recent form

West Ham: LLWWWW

Man United: WLWLWL

Possible starting lineups

West Ham: Adrian; Demel, Tomkins, Reid, McCartney; Jarvis, Noble, Diame, Downing; Noble, Carroll

Man United: De Gea; Rafael, Ferdinand, Jones, Evra; Valencia, Carrick, Fellaini; Welbeck; Rooney, Van Persie

Sports Mole says: 1-2