Manchester United will take on relegation favourites West Bromwich Albion tomorrow in what is likely to be a straight-forward game for the Red Devils. The Baggies have struggled to muster any sort of positive result of late and are unlikely to pull off a miracle like their did under Tony Mowbray years ago. Huddersfield and Crystal Palace won earlier, so time is running out for West Brom.
Jose Mourinho’s side will want to strengthen their hold on second place. The club have won their last five games and last weekend’s result against Manchester City was arguably the result of the season for them. After going two goals down, United sprang to life in the second half to scored thrice to deny City from winning the title on the night.
Mourinho’s side have all but guaranteed participation in next season’s Champions League and will want to finish the season strongly as they are also in the semifinals of the FA Cup.
West Brom, on the other hand, have fixtures against Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur after the clash against United and are already preparing for life in the Championship, Former manager Alan Pardew could lead the team to only one win in 18 games and Darren Moore isn’t expected to lead a miraculous turnaround.
The last time these two sides faced each other, United avoided a late scare to pick up a 2-1 win at the Hawthorns. The game tomorrow might be more emphatic, though.
Team news
Some of the better players that West Brom have – Daniel Sturridge on loan and Nacer Chadli — simply haven’t played regularly enough which has contributed to their downfall. The duo could return for the clash against United. Jose Mourinho has a full squad to choose from.
Predicted lineups
Manchester United probable XI: De Gea, Young, Smalling, Bailly, Valencia, Matic, Pogba, Martial, Lingard, Sanchez, Lukaku
West Brom probable XI: Foster, Gibbs, Hegazy, Dawson, Nyom, Chadli, Brunt, Livermore, Phillips, Rondon, Sturridge
Key players
Daniel Sturridge will be important for the Baggies as his pace will trouble the hosts. However, United’s midfield quality is far superior to West Brom’s and if they cut the supply to Sturridge, the on-loan Liverpool man could have a long afternoon. West Brom’s defence will have to soak up the pressure and hit United on the break. But that’ll be easier said than done when you’ve got Matic to play against.
Odds
Manchester United: 1/5
Draw: 11/2
West Brom: 16/1