West Bromwich Albion face Manchester United in the league next as they battle against relegation and they will be hoping for the same result at Old Trafford. The fans will be asking, can they do a famous double over the Premier League champions?
If Albion are come to come away with a share of the points Thievy and Saido Berahino will be key. United’s ageing defence lacks pace so these two players will have to work hard throughout, running into the channels to create space and holes in the United back line. By running out wide it will drag the likes of Vidic and Ferdinand out to the flanks creating space in the middle. Late forward runs by James Morrison and Chris Brunt could cause the opposition problems especially if the forwards have dragged the centre backs out wide. Shots from the edge of the area will create problems for David De Gea, which was proven when Berahino scored the winner last time out from outside the 18 yard box.
On loan midfielder Morgan Amalfitano will have to recapture the form of earlier on in the season to help West Brom win the game. In the reverse fixture he caused left back Alex Buttner all sorts of problems with his trickery and ability to get round him getting the ball into the box. The Marseille loan man is a confidence player and if he is on his game he will cause plenty of problems and will be vital if Albion are to come out on top.
The Baggies will need goalkeeper Ben Foster to be on top form to take a share of the spoils. At Old Trafford Boaz Myhill played well in place of the England goalkeeper and was a major part of West Brom taking all three points. Foster will have to prove to the nation why he is the biggest threat to Joe Hart as the England number one by commanding his area and being on top form when called upon.
It is important the holding midfielders remain fully concentrated throughout the whole game because the likes of Juan Mata and Wayne Rooney like to drop deep to collect the ball. Communication is key between the back four and the defensive midfielders so they know where the United attackers are to prevent them from driving at the Baggies backline and firing in shots from all angles.
The players will have to be confident on the ball to express themselves and take chances when they come. United will dominate the possession but when Albion get the ball they have to use it well and get the ball forward as quickly as possible. The pace upfront will be vital and any shooting opportunity will have to be taken.
West Brom will need there far share of luck again to come away with the points but they have the ability in the side to topple Man United for the second time this season.
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