Manchester United vs West Bromwich Albion Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

Preview

Joel Amorim Apr 29, 2015 @ 12:27 am

Next Saturday, 2nd of May 2015, a Manchester United, hurt in their pride, will entertain West Brom at the emblematic Old Trafford for round 35 of the English Premier League.

After four consecutive wins, the Red Devils were defeated twice in two weeks’ time, something that may jeopardize the apparent stability that the team had been showing over the last month.

The defeat at Stamford Bridge two weeks ago proved to be a major setback on the team’s motivation levels and last weekend’s slip-up against Everton was probably the final blow to the team’s aspiration of granting the second place at the EPL table at the end of the season.

In both matches, Manchester United had an apparent control over every aspect of the game, with plenty more ball possession percentage and several more goal chances than their opponents, something, however, that proved not to be enough to grant the three points. At Goodison Park, the Red Devils had 17 goal attempts but failed to overcome Everton’s experienced goalie, Tim Howard.

The upcoming clash against West Brom will certainly be a good opportunity for Manchester United to end this bad moment and to return to wins. When both teams met at Old Trafford last season, the Red Devils were surprised by the well organized Baggies that claimed the match by 2-1. Louis Van Gaal is certainly not interested in history repeating itself this season and will surely try everything within his reach to rally the troops, in order to avoid a third consecutive league defeat.

As for West Brom, the Baggies are currently comfortable at the 13th place of the table with 37 points from 34 matches, but they are still not safe from relegation. Tony Pulis has shown great signs of inconsistency lately but a win at Old Trafford would certainly help them to grant not only the necessary motivation for the remaining matches of the season but also a place in the English football top tier next season.

Despite having been defeated during their last two matches and despite last season’s setback against the Baggies at Old Trafford, Manchester United are firm favourites to win next Saturday’s important clash.

Manchester United

Stats: W-3 L-2 D-0

Recent Form - LLWWW

West Brom

Stats: W-1 L-3 D-1

Recent Form - DWLLL

Possible Line-ups

Manchester United (4-1-3-2) – De Gea - Valencia - Smalling - McNair - Shaw - Blind - Fellaini - Herrera - Mata - Rooney - Van Persie

West Brom (4-4-2) - Myhill - Dawson - McAuley - Lescott - Brunt - Yacob - Fletcher - Morrison - Gardner - Beharino - Anichebe

Injury List / Suspended Players

Manchester United

Rafael (inj)

Michael Carrick (inj)

Rojo (inj)

West Brom

Ben Foster (inj)

Head-to-head matches:

Top Players:

Manchester United

Wayne Rooney

Juan Mata

David de Gea

West Brom

Saido Berahino

Darren Fletcher

Craig Gardner

League Positions