The 3 key battles as West Ham face Manchester United in the Premier League

Winston Reid vs Zlatan Ibrahimovic

With a battle taking place between striker and centre-back at one end, there is likely to be the same at the other end, especially if Zlatan Ibrahimovic takes to the field.

The Swedish star has netted 12 times in 18 Premier League games this season, including eight in his last eight league matches.

And, although he didn’t net against Middlesbrough on New Year’s Eve, Ibrahimovic provided the assist for Anthony Martial’s 86th minute winner against Aitor Karanka’s men, and also had a goal harshly disallowed in the first half.

Should the 35-year-old start this afternoon, the experienced Winston Reid will have his hands full in trying to thwart the in-form forward.

The New Zealand international has been part of an improving Hammers defence in recent weeks, having conceded just twice in their last four games, and he’ll hope to help the side record a third successive clean sheet at the London Stadium.

Ibrahimovic aerial dominance and link-up play with those around him will once again be crucial for United, so it’s up to Reid to minimise his impact as West Ham search for a third consecutive home league victory.