London: On a day of derbies in north London and Merseyside, the fate of Manchester United will be the most anticipated result on Saturday. United hosts West Ham having won just one of its opening five Premier League games, including a 5-3 collapse at Leicester last weekend.
"It's happened, it's about overcoming things," said manager Louis van Gaal, who has yet to halt the decline from the season under David Moyes. For all the attacking firepower at Louis van Gaal's disposal -- from Angel di Maria to Radamel Falcao -- Van Gaal is down to just one fit center back, Marcos Rojo, to face West Ham at Old Trafford.
Jonny Evans was out with an ankle injury, Tyler Blackett was suspended following his dismissal at Leicester, Chris Smalling was injured in training, and Phil Jones was sidelined with a hamstring problem. Either Daley Blind or fellow midfielder Darren Fletcher might have to be shifted back into defense.
"All the three right-sided center halves are out -- I don't know how long they will be out for," Van Gaal said on Thursday. "Evans is a very difficult one. His bone is bruised a lot and we have to wait and see, to evaluate it.
"Smalling yesterday ran out of the training session because he had stiff legs. We have to see what that means. But I don't take risks with players." Another six players are also injured, including midfielders Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini, and winger Ashley Young.
"I have never been in this situation before (with injuries)," Van Gaal said. "It is strange. For me it's difficult to understand. We are evaluating what we can do in a different way."
United-West Ham is one of 10 games this weekend. Here are some things to know about the other games:
