West Ham United winger Stewart Downing is confident his side can beat Manchester United and make sure David Moyes’ team carry on struggling.
The England international is targeting victory over United under the floodlights on Saturday to help his side push clear of the relegation places.
Downing says his side will respect United’s strengths but are sure they can win the game.
“When they’re not at their best they’ve still got players that can hurt you,” Downing blogged on the West Ham official website.
“If we play to our strengths I think we can beat them.
“We’d love to be able to exploit their weaknesses and make sure they carry on struggling.”
The Hammers sit 12th in the Premier League but are not safe from the threat of relegation as they sit just six points above the drop zone.
United are seventh in the league and their crushing defeat to Liverpool last weekend all but ended their hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
United head into the game off the back of their 3-0 win over Olympiakos on Wednesday and will be hoping to carry on their improved form.
Defender Phil Jones admits the next round of the Champions League has to be the focus but that United have to prove themselves in the Premier League.
“It was a terrific night and nice to be on the winning side,” Jones told the club website and BBC Radio.
“We have to show what we’re capable of in the league as well.
“They’re all big games and we have to go to West Ham and win.”
Andy Carroll could be set to feature for West Ham after making his return from injury against Stoke last weekend.
Nemanja Vidic begins his suspension for United after his red card against Liverpool while Robin van Persie should be fit despite being stretchered off on Wednesday.
Juan Mata could also return to the starting eleven after being cup-tied for the Champions League win.
Image courtesy of WestHamUniverse1 via YouTube. with thanks
