5 reasons why Manchester United are set to spank West Brom

Manchester United’s renewed confidence was dented after the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea but crumpled completely in the wake of the 3-0 reverse to Everton.

Look a little closer at the stats from those games, however, and there is plenty of reason for Red Devils fans to be optimistic.

United enjoyed 70 per cent of the possession against the Blues and were almost as dominant against the Toffees.

Taking chances  – or the failure to do so – was the difference in those games but Louis van Gaal’s side look set to bounce back with a bang against the Baggies.

Here are five reasons Tony Pulis can expect to see his side roundly spanked at Old Trafford this weekend.

United are deadly in attack at Old Trafford

The Red Devils may not have earned rave reviews throughout the season and in Radamel Falcao they have an unmitigated flop. However, Van Gaal’s men have quietly gone about their business and in racking up 40 goals at Old Trafford have netted more home strikes than any other team.

West Brom are woeful in attack on the road

The Baggies may have netted five goals to ruin Sir Alex Ferguson’s leaving party but with Romelu Lukaku now a distant memory misfiring Albion have struggled for goals on the road.

With just 11 strikes away from the Hawthorns this season, Tony Pulis’ men are the lowest scoring travellers in the league.

United’s home form

Defeat to Chelsea and Everton may have knocked United off their stride but it’s important to remember that both games were away from home and that LVG’s side are in rude health at home.

United have won their last six games as hosts, their best run since a 12-game streak ending in March 2013.

Berahino’s homesickness

Saido Berahino has smashed 18 goals in league and cup competition for Albion this season, helping to fill the hole left by Lukaku’s departure two years ago.

However, to say that the England youngster saves his best for the home crowd is something of an understatement, with just three of those strikes recorded away from the Hawthorns.

History

The last 20 meetings between the sides have seen United score 49 goals, with just 16 coming from the Baggies.

In that time United have won 3-0, 4-0, 5-0 and 5-1 and with LVG demanding his side bounce back from the Toffees embarrassment Albion could indeed be in for a hiding.

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