Manchester United v West Bromwich Albion – Sunday 11th March – Old Trafford (16:00)
Manchester United v West Bromwich Albion
Following their somewhat fortuitous victory over Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, Manchester United are once again two points adrift of their local rivals Manchester City who head the log with 66 points. The Red Devils will be looking to keep the pressure on them, hoping they will slip up down the line. United play host to a West Bromwich Albion side that has turned their season around and now find themselves in tenth spot on the table. The Baggies have won three on the trot and have scored 10 goals and only conceded 1. They will be going out to give the reigning champions a difficult time.
In typical United fashion the Red Devils burgled a 3-1 victory over third placed Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane despite being second best for long periods in the match. A Wayne Rooney header and a superb brace from winger Ashley Young sealed the deal and kept United’s pursuit for a 20th league title on track. Sir Alex Ferguson was highly delighted with his two English attackers and stated that these two were sorely missed during their absence. Man United are now unbeaten in their last eight matches and are going from strength to strength. In an exclusive interview, Wayne Rooney stated that United have been in this situation many times before and that they never panic as they have the experience and knowledge of lifting league titles and has urged his fellow team mates to maintain focus and just keep pushing Manchester City. Sir Alex will be pleased with the return of Anderson, Tom Cleverley and Chris Smalling as they all should feature in this weekend’s match up.
West Bromwich Albion recorded an emphatic 1-0 victory over Chelsea at the weekend thereby continuing their impressive run. A late winner from Gareth McAuley handed The Baggies their third straight victory and Manager Roy Hodgson had nothing but praise for his teams recent run of form. He pin pointed their defence as key in their resurgence as they have only conceded 3 goals in their last four matches. Their goal scoring has been even more impressive, banging in a whopping eleven goals in those four matches. West Brom will be looking to their Nigerian striker Peter Odemwingie to continue his impressive goal scoring record as he currently sits on 9 goals for the season and has proved time and again his ability to score against the big guns in the league. His attacking partner Jerome Thomas has proved a real handful for defenders as he looks to have shaken off his injury woes and has come up with some vital assists this campaign. The Baggies have travelled well this season and boast a better away record than at home, managing six wins on the road compared to a mere four at home.
Both teams come into this encounter in great form but home ground advantage clearly favours United. West Brom won’t be easy to break down but the Red Devils will remain patient and eventually blow The Baggies’ door down.
