As the season approaches it’s final stages, a buoyant Manchester United welcome a desperate West Bromwich Albion to Old Trafford. With five games to go, relegation seems inevitable for the ‘Baggies’, who’ve got ten points up to solid ground.
After losing eight matches in a row, West Brom were finally able to clasp a point against Swansea last round. They need three pointers though, and having shipped 14 goals over the last nine games (2.6 on average), the team must tighten up if they are to secure the necessary points.
United will prove a hard nut to crack, as well. After the remarkable 3-2 turnaround against archrivals Manchester City, they are on a five-game winning streak. At Old Trafford, they’ve won six in a row and only lost once all season!
Desperate times calls for desperate measures? This match is between the teams with the fifth (United) and third (Albion) most cards this season. Add to the mix that the five latest head-to-head games have included 22 yellow and two red cards, and we may be in for a rough afternoon.
Can a West Bromwich side with the knife at their throats fight their way to three sensational points?
Players to watch: Alexis Sanchez was on fire in the second-half against Manchester City. And after three assists and one goal in his last two – can he continue stacking goal points?
Make it count! Salomon Rondon has scored four in nine games. The problem? All four have come on home turf, and not one goal has resulted in a point for the Baggies.
Stat attack: West Brom have failed to claim a single point after trailing at half time. United have not forfeited a single point after taking the lead after the first-half.
This fixture has been a close one in the post-Ferguson era, with United winning four, drawing two and losing three.
United have won with a margin of 2+ goals in eight of their 16 home games this season.