Big Match Breakdown: West Brom v Man United
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Can Baggies live to fight another day?
West Bromwich Albion clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford in a Premier League fixture that could seal their fate.
With just 21 points, and five games left to save themselves, Albion have a huge job on their hands against a buzzing Man United.
However, Alan Pardew is now gone. And going on various reports of his time in charge, the West Brom players will be galavanised by his departure.
But all hands will need to be on the pump against Jose Mourinho’s outfit today. The Coral News Team go in-depth on the game with our Big Match Breakdown…
Head-To-Head
Historically, United have a great record against Albion. But they did come a-cropper at The Hawthorns back in March 2016 as Salomon Rondon scored the only goal of the game to send the home crowd wild.
In fact, in recent seasons it’s been a surprisingly even fixture. Of the last seven meetings, the Red Devils have won three to the Baggies’ two victories, with two draws.
One of those West Brom wins was at Old Trafford back in 2015.
Likely XIs
Jose Mourinho will have certain decisions to make regarding his attacking personnel. Paul Pogba scored two goals from midfield in the 3-2 comeback win over Manchester City.
The midfielder was still playing in a second pivot role but seemed to have more license to break forward. Mourinho may well be tempted to play him in a more advanced role.
Anthony Martial, Juan Mata, and Marcus Rashford will battle it out for positions in the front line.
Albion caretaker manager Darren Moore could have Jonny Evans and Nacer Chadli back in action after lay-offs. However, Daniel Sturridge and Gareth Barry look likely to miss out again.
Key Battles
The Baggies will probably allow United to have the ball and play on the counter. So Mourinho’s defence will need to cut out the errors that blighted the first half against City last week.
But this is more than likely going to be a game of defence against attack as Man United look to guarantee their place in the top-four.
Can the Baggies’ backline keep Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez quiet? If Jonny Evans plays – and he’ll be desperate to do so against his former side – then he’ll need to marshall the defence in an inspirational manner.
Match Odds
West Brom are a massive 18/1 to take all three points at Old Trafford. Man United 1/5, with the draw available at 11/2.
Mourinho’s outfit will be buzzing from their win over their city rivals last week and will see Albion as potential cannon fodder here.
The Baggies have little to lose and should go for it, relatively speaking. Can we expect an attacking game and goals? Over 3.5 Goals is 8/5. Man United to Win and Over 3.5 Goals is also 9/5.
Belgian international Lukaku has got five goals in eight career appearances against Albion. He’s 11/4 to be First Goalscorer and 4/5 to find the net Anytime.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
