Sunday, 14 August 2011

Premiership - West Brom v Manchester United


football: sportManchester United’s charge for a 20th League title begins at what’s likely to be a tricky trip for them and many others at West Brom today, and based on moods, the game is likely to be a thriller.

United come to the Hawthorns not only as the most successful team in English League History – their 19 titles taking them past Liverpool – but also boosted by their comeback in the Community Shield, in which they blew Manchester City away during the second half, in which all their attacking flair came the fore.


The stunning passing move which levelled the game on the hour mark was more than a mere  goal – It was a warning of how good they can be when on their best and going at it. The average age of Manchester United's team in the second half was just 22, underlining the dominance that is planned for the future.

The incredible thing is that is in pursuit of just one team and one aim – The Barcelona side that have now twice put away United with ease in the Champions League final.  United had no answers to the extraordinary passing game, along with the almost tribal like ball hunting of the midfield pack.

As quoted by Ferguson: "It's the best team I have faced in my time as a manager.” "Everyone acknowledges that and I accept that. No-one has given us a hiding like that."

The presence of Ashley Young, along with the purchase of David De Gea, are all aimed at continuing the winning streak and challenging for the Champions League at the same time while the same side remains as settled as ever while they will also be hopeful that Wayne Rooney – who started the last campaign slowly after rumours about his future – can hit the ground running this month and help the team get off to a fantastic start.

Back onto the Premier League and while United failed to win 14 of their 19 away league matches last season this was the one venue which proved the exception, although a missed penalty from of all people Peter Odenwingie should have changed things.

Moving onto the baggies, and hopes are high that Roy Hodgson can continue the progress made last season which saw them lose only just two of their last 13 games, taking attention away from the fact that they keep just 2 clean sheets last season.

The arrival of Shane Long has put a smile on the face of many Baggies while Garth McAuley isn’t a bad attempt at trying to fix holes in defence, and a strong showing seems assured at the Hawthorns today.

Given the strong trend of goals between these two -  Only Blackpool conceded more than West Brom's goals against tally of 71 last season, and no-one scored more than Man Utd's 78 – So we’ll take the last of the 4/5 available with Victor Chandler that there’s 3 or more goals, we’ll also have both teams to score and the  Draw/United double result to come good.

Advice

1 pt Over 2.5 goals (4/5 VC Bet)

1 pt Both teams to score (5/6 general)

1 pt Draw/United (19-5 Hills) 

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