Not so fast, Red Devils. Manchester United showed progress with their recent month-long winning run, but then revealed that they still have some more work to do after suffering back-to-back losses to Chelsea and Everton. With a Champions League place yet to be locked up, United must bounce back this weekend at home against West Bromwich Albion.
But the Baggies are still aiming to secure Premier League football next season, and will be gearing up for another stunning win at Old Trafford. Read on as we preview this lunchtime Premier League matchup.
United’s noisy neighbors, Man City, have a much tougher test as they travel to Tottenham this Sunday. Check out our preview of Tottenham vs. Man City.
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Manchester United vs. West Brom Betting Preview
Where: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
When: Saturday, May 2 , 12:30 PM ET
Line: West Brom (+750) at Manchester United (-335), tie +350; total: 2.5 – view all EPL lines
Betting on Manchester United
It seemed as though Manchester United had finally turned the corner in the Louis van Gaal era after a very impressive four-game winning run over Tottenham, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Manchester City. But consecutive away losses have quickly brought the Red Devils right back down to earth.
[sc:Soccer240banner ]They were unable to sufficiently trouble champions-elect Chelsea en route to a 1-0 defeat, and they were decidedly outclassed last Sunday as Everton thumped them, 3-0.
It’s no coincidence that United’s recent slide has transpired while they’ve been without Michael Carrick, who injured his calf in their 4-2 derby win over City. Carrick is arguably United’s most indispensable player with his ability to solidify their defense and set up the attack, attributes that his replacement, Daley Blind, wasn’t able to provide against Everton.
Carrick and defender Phil Jones could make their return against West Brom, which would be a huge lift for United. Carrick’s presence in United’s midfield against a tough and organized West Brom team will be a very welcome boost, but his continued absence could spell trouble.
Wayne Rooney is also a significant injury doubt after hurting his knee against Everton. That could mean the misfiring Radamel Falcao starts in his place. United have been held goalless in back-to-back games for the first time all season, and Rooney’s absence could extend that drought further.
Nevertheless, United will be a handful at home. They have scored at least three goals in their last three games at Old Trafford. For the season, United have scored 40 goals at home in 17 games, 21 more than their total on the road.
After horrendous back-to-back home defeats against relegation-threatened QPR (1-4) and Leicester (2-3), manager Tony Pulis has righted the West Brom ship by plugging the team’s defensive holes. They’ve now kept two clean sheets in a row – away from home against in-form Crystal Palace (2-0) and at home against Liverpool (0-0).
Their admirable draw against Liverpool was a testament to the hard work defensively put in all across the team. The midfield in particular did a terrific job of covering ground both on the wings and up the middle. Former Manchester United player Darren Fletcher helped lead the Baggies in denying space for Liverpool’s talented attackers, something they must continue to do well at Old Trafford.
Centerback Gareth McAuley was also terrific at the heart of West Brom’s defense. He won 100 percent of his aerial duels, made seven clearances and blocked six shots. With McAuley, Joleon Lescott and rightback Craig Dawson, West Brom have the height and the aerial ability to combat the threat of United’s Marouane Fellaini.
Meanwhile, forwards Saido Berahino and Brown Ideye, were tireless in their effort to press and close down Liverpool’s defenders. They likely won’t see much of the ball again at Old Trafford, but they will be instrumental in pressing United’s defenders, disrupting their rhythm and possibly forcing a mistake. Berahino scored the winner in West Brom’s famous 2-1 win over United at Old Trafford last season.
However, it’ll be quite a surprise to see the Baggies bag a goal this time around. They’ve scored just 11 goals away from home this season, the lowest total in the Premier League. They’re 3-7-6 (win-loss-draw) away from home this season.
Writer’s Prediction
Rooney misses out, United’s attack struggles without him, and United limp to a 1-1 draw (+350).
