Manchester United would be glad to return to the Premier League environment after the 3-2 drubbing at the hands of Athletic Bilbao in midweek in the Europa League. United host West Bromwich Albion knowing that anything less than three points would seriously hamper their chances of winning the Premier League for a twentieth time.
EPL – Manchester United look to close the gap on Manchester City
On paper, Manchester United are undoubtedly the stronger squad but Alex Ferguson would know that under estimating West Bromwich could be a dangerous proposition, who come to Old Trafford on the back of three successive victories including a 1-0 win over Chelsea. United, despite the Europa League drubbing, have a fair run in the league with a late winner against Norwich before humiliating Tottenham 3-1 last weekend.
However it looks likely that West Brom would miss the services of defender Steven Reid who picked up an ankle injury while on the other hand, United would be ready to welcome the creativity of Tom Cleverley in midfield, who after a sparkling start to the season was sidelined due to an ankle injury for a major part of the season.
West Brom have scored 10 goals in their last three league games and United would have to keep their defence tight, an area where they have been a bit lacking this season, as was apparent in the match against Bilbao and the late goal against Tottenham. De Gea, who has faced his share of criticism early in the season, was United’s hero in midweek despite conceding three called up on his defence to buck up after the horror show in the Europa League.
West Brom’s skipper is likely to get his first start in nearly two months while Paul Scholes is also expected to start after being rested midweek. Young has made an impressive return from injury scoring twice against Spurs and also a game in England colors while Nani would take his place on the right wing. Smalling is expected to sit out after suffering a head injury while Ferdinand is set to reclaim his place in the starting lineup after being left out against Bilbao.
Despite being two points adrift of City, United have a series of easier games running into the end of the season beginning with West Brom and three points here would be important to make amends for midweek drubbing and also to close the gap on City who travel to Swansea City later in the day.
Tags: Alex Ferguson, EPL, Football, Manchester United, Premier League, West Bromwich
