West Bromwich Albion vs Manchester United – English Premier League – Preview

Posted on March 5, 2016 by Sreya

Manchester United travel to the Hawthorns to face West Bromwich Albion as Louis van Gaal’s side challenges for a top four spot in the English Premier League standings. Manchester United won a crucial midweek game against Watford to build momentum after their win against Arsenal last week.

Louis van Gaal’s side are on forty seven points after twenty eight matches. West Bromwich Albion, who drew at Leicester City in the midweek, are on the thirteenth position in the league table with thirty six points.

Team News

James Morrison, Callum McManaman and Chris Brunt have been ruled out with injuries while Jonny Evans is doubtful. For the visitors, Luke Shaw, Ashley Young, Phil Jones, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Wayne Rooney, Will Keane and Donald Love are sidelined through injuries. Marouane Fellaini and Antonio Valencia are yet to regain match fitness while Cameron Borthwick-Jackson might not be risked after missing United’s last three matches.

West Bromwich Albion Possible Starting Lineup: Ben Foster, Craig Dawson, Gareth McAuley, Jonas Olsson, James Chester, Stephane Sessegnon, Claudio Yacob, Darren Fletcher, Craig Gardner, Salomon Rondon, Saido Berahino.

Manchester United Possible Starting Lineup: David de Gea, Matteo Darmian, Chris Smalling, Daley Blind, Marcos Rojo, Ander Herrera, Morgan Schneiderlin, Anthony Martial, Juan Mata, Memphis Depay, Marcus Rashford.

Thoughts From Both Camps

“We have looked a threat going forward which is good, and hopefully we can look a threat on Sunday. We have to maintain it. We’re still four points short of what everybody wants [40 points], we have to get there as quick as we possibly can.”

– Tony Pulis, West Bromwich Albion.

“We have to go step by step. We now have four victories in a row, which is fantastic, but we have a very small selection at the moment. Players are coming back, but I still have to solve a problem in my line-up every week.”

– Louis van Gaal, Manchester United.

Contributor’s Pick

According to Head-2-Head statistics, the previous six encounters between these two clubs have resulted in two wins, two losses and two draws for either side. Although West Bromwich Albion are undefeated in their last five home league fixtures, Manchester United are undefeated in their last eight away matches against West Brom in all competitions.

Manchester United have scored at least two goals in fourteen of their last sixteen matches against West Brom in all competitions. It should be a closely contested affair based on current form, but Manchester United are likely to win by a scoreline of 2-1.