Be careful what you wish for could be the cliche Alan Curbishley will be thinking about as the new West Ham boss ponders the visit of Premiership leaders Manchester United.

Curbishley's last match in charge of Charlton ended in a 4-0 thrashing by the Old Trafford side and as he resumes his managerial career this weekend with his boyhood heroes, there seems little scope for short-term optimism.

The Hammers were, indeed, hammered 4-0 by Bolton last week, a result which turned out to be the last straw for the Upton Park board.

Two factors influence our thoughts on this game. United have the best away record in the Premiership and are going flat out to win the title back from Chelsea.

In addition to that, Curbishley's record against Alex Ferguson is dreadful and it would be a brave, and perhaps foolish man, who would tip that to improve in this fixture.

There will be plenty of excitement and supporter-based optimism at the Boleyn Ground.

West Ham, indeed, should put up a sterling fight but we reckon they will eventually be overcome by the sheer class of the visitors.

Betterbet.com's 10/3 for draw half-time/Man United full-time, is the bet that attracts us.