Manchester United to Find It Tough Against West Brom
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The final international break of the 2016/17 Premier League season is complete and clubs can now focus fully on the run-in.
As far as Manchester United is concerned, this means playing a huge number of games, as they must play catch-up in the Premier League. On top of that, they have the Europa League to deal with and having drawn Anderlecht, the Red Devils will expect to progress beyond the quarter-final stage.
Tony Pulis takes his West Brom team to Old Trafford sitting nicely in 8th place in the Premier League. There is a 7-point gap between the Baggies and Stoke City who are in 9th, so 8th place looks there for the taking for West Brom this season. That would be a great achievement for the club and match that of their 2012/13 campaign.
The good news for Jose Mourinho, is this match is at Old Trafford and Manchester United’s record at home has been good. Trends show the Red Devils are undefeated in their last twenty-three home matches in all competitions and on the face of it, this is excellent.
However, a closer look reveals Manchester United have drawn three of their last four home Premier League games against Liverpool, Hull City and Bournemouth. This suggests a team who are struggling to get over the line in-front of their own fans and West Brom will be aiming to make things as difficult as possible for their hosts.
While West Brom have been strong at home, their recent away record shows a team who are struggling to win games. Pulis’ team have won just one of their last eight away league games and trends show they have managed a total of three wins away from home in the Premier League this season.
West Brom’s last four away games has seen them pick up 2 points and they have suffered heavy defeats at Tottenham and Everton, which were out of character in comparison to their other performances.
The good news for West Brom is the fact Manchester United will be without Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera for this game. These players have featured regularly under Mourinho this season and will continue to be missed. Marouane Fellaini, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling returned early from international duty and it remains to be seen if any of the trio will be fit to play.
West Brom have just one injury concern, with Matt Phillips in the process of making a comeback from a hamstring injury. Therefore, West Brom should be close to full strength, in comparison to their hosts, who will be missing key players.
If this match was at the Hawthorns, you would feel West Brom had a good chance of causing an upset. However, trends show West Brom have won just four of their previous twenty-eight away league games. Although the match at Old Trafford could be tight, home advantage could make the difference for Manchester United but do not be surprised if this game ends level.
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