Prediction: Manchester United vs West Bromwich



Verdict: Man Utd to win by one goal

Best Odds: 5/2

Bookmaker: bet365

The good run of results saw Man Utd seriously close the gap behind Champions League positions, but they obviously need to continue in the same manner if they want to leapfrog bitter rivals Liverpool and/or Man City. West Bromwich, on the other hand, are enjoying another excellent season under Tony Pulis and they head to Old Trafford as relaxed as they can be.

Manchester United

It is fair to say that Manchester United experienced all sorts of problems in Jose Mourinho’s first season in charge, but the most important thing is they have weathered the storm and are now back on the right track. Even Sir Alex Ferguson is satisfied with how the Special One has fared at Old Trafford so far and everybody at the club is hoping for a successful campaign. The League Cup triumph definitely eased the pressure on the squad and with the Red Devils still in the race for the Europa League trophy and a top 4 finish in the Premier League, things are indeed going well at the moment. The 3-1 victory over Middlesbrough helped Man Utd close the gap behind fourth-placed Liverpool to just four points, while they also have two games in hand. And with Liverpool facing a difficult game against Merseyside rivals Everton, this will feel as another opportunity for Jose Mourinho and his men to further improve their Champions League hopes. They will, however, not have an easy job against high-flying West Bromwich, who defeated Arsenal 3-1 to end a two-match losing run.

Team News

Jose Mourinho has moved to confirm that Paul Pogba, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are out injured, whereas Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ander Herrera are banned.



West Bromwich

West Bromwich’s results over the last few years are enough to suggest that Tony Pulis is probably one of the most underrated managers in English football, and even though many do not like his style of football, nobody can deny that he has been getting the absolute maximum out of almost every team he coached. While clubs like Southampton, West Ham United, Leicester City and Swansea City are pretty much involved in the relegation dogfight, the Baggies reached the magical 40-point mark with 12 games to go and currently occupy eighth position in the overall standings. Following the impressive run that saw them take 11 points out of maximum 15, West Brom suffered a slight dip in form, as they lost to Crystal Palace and Everton, but the 3-1 home win over Arsenal saw them effectively return to the right track. The Baggies haven’t been too impressive on the road, of late, winning one of last eight away fixtures, but they did score five goals in last five, and we definitely expect them to make life difficult for Manchester United.

Team News

With Salomon Rondon returning late from international duty, Hal Robson-Kanu is expected to start up front for only the third time this season, while Matt Phillips is out injured.

Key Factors to Consider

• Under 2.5 goals were scored in last four meetings between Man Utd & West Brom
• The Baggies won two of last three matches at Old Trafford
• Man Utd are unbeaten at home since 10th September (W14 D7)
• They only won one of last four home games in the Premiership
• West Brom scored 5 goals in last 5 away games

Conclusion

Manchester United will be missing several important players on Saturday and while we do expect them to emerge victorious in the end, they will not have an easy job. The Baggies haven’t done too well on the road, and that is why we are backing the Red Devils to win by a single goal.

Verdict: Man Utd to win by one goal

Best Odds: 5/2

Bookmaker: bet365