Goalscorer Preview - West Ham United v Manchester United: Javier Hernandez

Javier Hernandez is likely to be given the extra responsibility of leading the Manchester United attack in the Carling Cup quarter-final against West Ham United.

Hernandez has taken to English football like a duck to water and has managed to score a total of eight goals across all competitions for the club so far this season. Hernandez always plays with a smile on his face and seems to be one of the hardest working players at Sir Alex Ferguson’s disposal.

Hernandez should start this game with a partner in attack because the importance of the match and opposition does not justify a five man midfield. This will be better for Hernandez’s game because it will allow him to drop into pockets of space where he is at his most effective.

The Mexican’s biggest attributes are his pace and improvisation. He has enough pace to trouble any defence across Europe and the first goal he scored in the 2-1 win against Stoke City in the Premier League proves he does not freeze in front of goal and will find a way to put the ball into the back of the net.

His ball control is as good as anyone else in the Manchester United attack. This means he can retain possession and lay the ball off when he has any defender snapping at his heels trying to poke the ball away.

Hernandez is well priced at 9/2 to score the first goal of the game and 13/10 to score at any point during the match. These odds will only shorten when it is confirmed he will start the game. He should do as Ferguson is likely to rest a lot of first choice players for this tie.

Hernandez is growing stronger all the time and once the club have managed to increase his match fitness and his physical strength, he will be one of the best strikers in the Premier League.