Premier League Preview: West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United

Manchester United travel to the Hawthorns looking to maintain their position at the top of the Premier League table.

United will feel a sense of injustice after the goal that led to Birmingham grabbing a point in their last Premier League outing. This could mean very bad news for a West Brom side that has performed well above expectations so far this season.

The 4-4-2 formation that Sir Alex Ferguson has got working is not showing many signs of breaking down. Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney are playing well off of each other in attack and there is enough midfield talent in the squad while the defence takes care of itself.

Paul Scholes is touch and go to be fit for the match but Ferguson may show faith to Brazilian Anderson who has managed to hold down a midfield position in recent weeks. Park Ji-Sung will not feature as he is away playing for South Korea while winger Nani could face a late fitness test for the game.

There are no new long-term additions walking into the Manchester United treatment room for the manager to worry about. Michael Owen has suffered fresh setbacks that have kept him out of the side, Owen Hargreaves continues his struggle against knee and hamstring injuries and Antonio Valencia is slowly recovering from a broken leg.

Ryan Giggs could be rested for the game as he has featured heavily in United’s last few matches. However, Ferguson is struggling for options in wide areas after playing Darron Gibson down the right for the match against Birmingham. Rooney didn’t look as though he enjoyed being played out wide in the same game and Ferguson will be reluctant to use his main striker in a wider role.

United will have to be at their fluent and creative best to get a result in this game because West Brom have been playing well all season. They are one of the few teams that have managed to take anything away from Old Trafford this season and they will be chomping at the bit to stop the United war machine in its path.

It’s no surprise that United have been made the firm favourite to win the game at a best price of 4/7. West Brom will have a lot of takers at 6/1 playing on their own ground while the draw is well priced at 10/3.