Hammers test is key in race for top four

Manchester United's 3-1 win at Brentford sets things up nicely for a third meeting with the Hammers this season and an opportunity to head into the international break with renewed optimism.

Ralf Rangnick's side are in seventh place in the table, behind a run of four London teams, starting with third-placed Chelsea. West Ham, Tottenham and Arsenal are next in the standings but the Reds know victory at the weekend would catapult us into the top four, even if it may only be for a day.

Nonetheless, it would exert pressure on the other challengers and send a message that United are ready to climb the table.

Given the context of the game, it is more than a little surprising that it kicks off at…