West Bromwich Albion acquired a much-needed boost by sweeping away Swansea 3-1 at home before the big game this weekend, where the Baggies welcome Manchester United. Despite playing disciplined football throughout the game, it was a defensive mistake that gave way to a Chelsea goal last weekend and Albion had to get over that frustration fast.
Their midweek win was the perfect answer to it as it keeps Tony Pulis’ men in the seventh position. Although a win this weekend won’t take them further up, it will definitely keep them in touching distance of the Europa qualification spot.
Although Albion have won three of their last six games against United, the Red Devils have seen just one defeat in their last 12 trips to Albion. Pulis will have a good chance to improve their head to head record coming Saturday. Although Tony Pulis has specifically mentioned that players wouldn’t be carried with their league position, it’s difficult not to do that.
Defence
Ben Forster will start under the bar. The English goalie has been too good to be replaced this season. Craig Dawson will start in the right-back position after resting in the midweek game. Pulis is likely to stick to the centre-back pairing of Gareth McAuley and Jonas Olson as they looked quite clean against Swansea City. Allan Nyom is expected to keep his place in the right-back position.
Albion’s defence has been quite disciplined in the past few matches and made it quite difficult for attacking teams to find a crack. They were often seen slowing the game against Chelsea, which made it very difficult to keep the rhythm. It could well work against United.
Midfield
Pulis is likely to give more protection to his back four against an attacking Manchester United side. We expect the boss to deploy Darren Fletcher and Jacob as defensive midfielders. The Argentine combative midfielder is hard working and it gives Fletcher the liberty to play passes up front.
Fletcher has been Pulis’ utility player and he can play almost anywhere in the central role. He was good in an advanced role against Swansea and Pulis will expect the same in the defensive role. Morrison is likely to start in the attacking midfield position.
Attack
Pulis has a lot of options in the midfield position. Chadli took a slight knock against Swansea and was subbed up in the 70th minute. We expect him to start from the bench.
Phillips and McClean are likely to start on the flanks. The man of the moment, Salomon Rondon will start up front after his hat-trick in the last match.
