Tanvir Juneja
Manchester United vs West Bromwich Albion
West Bromwich Albion hosts Manchester United at the Hawthorns in Sunday’s much-anticipated game that kicks off at 4p.m. forming the premise of a Premier League survival story on one side and a Champions League hunt on the other.
United travel to West Brom as steadfast as possible with a four successive wins record in all competitions, adding to the fact that they have leveled arch-rivals City on league points for a shot to finish in the top four.
Mata’s wonderful goal against Watford reignited all the stark, cold and dry spells for the club over the midweek meeting at Old Trafford. Not only has it changed United’s fate going ahead, the future looms large over the belief of the players and the manager’s ‘step-by-step philosophy’ that momentum shifts do happen and kinetic energy fluctuates almost instantly when the objective is clear of a strong end to a topsy-turvy season could lift the Red Devils into the Champions League qualification. Afterall, this is how the best scene would dawn upon the theatre of dreams and set the devils on the red path of triumph.
Given this season of high unpredictability, United could possibly line up against three former players on Sunday, with Darren Fletcher, Ben Foster and James Chester all in contention for the game. United might even have an outside chance of claiming the title placed only 10 points behind leaders Leicester City. Although, to opine fairly, even Tony Pulis’s side have held Claudio Ranieri’s leaders to a draw on Tuesday and will be a tough proposition for Louis van Gaal’s XI at all moments of the game. To say the least, it may end in a draw at the Hawthorns.
Besides, West Brom have collected seven points from a possible nine, but suddenly look to have found a cutting edge up front with Salomon Rondon and Saido Berahino beginning to develop an understanding. The Baggies have also responded to the FA Cup embarrassment at Reading with two excellent performances that have brought not just points, but goals too. With all this happening at the Hawthorns, it is only fair to say that they have hit form and that their home ground is becoming a fortress undefeated at home since the last 9 matches.
Team News:
Manchester United
Wayne Rooney, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, Ashley Young and Bastian Schweinsteiger are all expected to miss out. Luke Shaw is continuing his rehabilitation and Will Keane has undergone surgery on his groin. Chris Smalling could make his return from a shoulder injury on Sunday after missing the midweek game, while there could also be possible returns for Marouane Fellaini and Antonio Valencia. Johnny Evans has been ruled out of the clash after missing the last two games.
West Bromwich Albion
West Brom will be without Chris Brunt while James Morrison and Callum McManaman are doubtful.
Key Player
Jose Salomon Rondon is West Brom’s joint-top scorer this season with seven goals after his club-record transfer from Zenit St. Petersburg.
Watch on the Table
If you’re not a Manchester United supporter, you’d want West Brom to win and also hope that City wins. But consider it as a gentle reminder, Van Gaal’s luck doesn’t run out in parallels to what the hater’s wish.
His luck is following a philosophy of its own, you see!
