- Man United is unbeaten at home this season
- United’s last home loss came against West Brom in May
- WBA have kept a clean sheet in 4 of 5 away matches this season
Manchester United looks to keep pace towards the top of the table on Saturday, but must overcome a West Bromwich side that has given the Red Devils some trouble over the past few years (Watch live, 10 a.m. ET on NBCSN and online via Live Extra).
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United snapped a long goalscoring drought in a midweek Champions League win over CSKA Moscow, but they still haven’t scored a Premier League goal in three weeks. Louis Van Gaal‘s side has only attempted 110 shots in 11 matches this season, second-fewest in the league. The only team below them…West Bromwich Albion.
The good news for United is that Wayne Rooney should have gained some confidence after his goal against Moscow. Rooney has also had great success against West Brom, scoring seven goals and adding four assists in his last seven starts against the Baggies.
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For West Brom, three points could see Tony Pulis‘ men jump into the top half of the table. The Baggies always seem to play United tough, losing just once in the sides’ last five meetings (W2, D2, L1). West Brom has also won the past two meetings at Old Trafford, as United’s last home loss was a 1-0 defeat to Albion in May.
What they’re saying
LVG on fans supporting the players: “I can only advise the fans to criticize the manager and not the players. It’s very difficult to play for Manchester United with a lot of pressure and if you can taste that in Old Trafford because of all the yelling, then it’s not good for my players.”
Baggies’ boss Tony Pulis on facing United: “If you look at the money Louis has spent, the players that they’ve got, the depth of their squad, it shouldn’t really be a contest. But if you get 11 players running around on any given day, who’ll work hard for the team and give it their best, then who knows.”
Prediction
For two teams who are stout defensively and struggling offensively, don’t expect a shootout at Old Trafford. Tony Pulis will have West Brom ready to defend, but it will be tough to hold on for 90 minutes. Manchester United 1-0 West Bromwich Albion.
