View: West Brom couldn’t pick a better time to face Manchester United
Many West Brom fans will have been filled with dread at the thought of playing consecutive games against Tottenham and Manchester United after the 2-0 defeat to Fulham.
But there was plenty to be happy with against Tottenham, despite the late Harry Kane goal that handed Jose Mourinho’s side all three points.
Now Slaven Bilic’s side face what is on paper, a very tricky task as they prepare to take on Man United at Old Trafford.
But we believe there is no better time to face the Red Devils due to a number of factors.
Firstly, Albion will be riding high after their performance against Spurs last time out in the Premier League and if they can recreate that performance then they will give any side in the league a run for their money.
Most of the Baggies squad has had two weeks without a game during the international break and they should be refreshed with fully charged batteries ahead of the return of the Premier League.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are in quite a different predicament. A fair amount of United players have been on international duty so they won’t be well-rested.
Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes, Edinson Cavani, Harry Maguire and Alex Telles are just a few of the Red Devils who won’t have had a rest this week.
With the extra games, injuries have been reported as well. Marcus Rashford, Cavani and Mason Greenwood could miss this weekend’s clash and while Alex Telles could play he is struggling in the aftermath of testing positive for COVID-19.
Throw injuries and tired players into the mix with United’s hit and miss form this season and there are plenty of positives to take into Saturday’s game.
Albion kept Spurs at bay for 88 minutes last time out whereas when Man United played Mourinho’s side they conceded six and they are still yet to win a league game at Old Trafford this season.
It will be hard for Albion on Saturday as United still have quality players available but we firmly believe that there is no better time for the Baggies to take on the Red Devils. After all, we all remember what happened the last time they played at Old Trafford.
In other West Brom news, Kevin Phillips believes that Slaven Bilic has a big call to make over his team selection this weekend.
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