Manchester United did not get off to a good start in the EPL this season, but they have gradually improved, and have a good chance of securing Champions League spot. With such thoughts, Manchester United go into their next EPL fixture against West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthrons on Sunday, with the hope of emerging triumphant and win their fifth straight game.
United are expected to defeat Wet Brom, as the visitors have a spring in their stride after registering four victories on a trot in all competitions, which includes their huge win against Arsenal. Their victory against Arsenal must have helped them realise that their Champions League ambition is still possible. They defeated Watford in their last game.
But here onwards lie the difficult task, they need to be even more consistent. A victory against West Brom will help them level on points against Manchester City for the fourth place. Juan Mata, who scored the winning goal against Watford, believes that their team are a confident unit now, after winning matches of late.
"It's a good moment for us, a nice two or three weeks, winning games and enjoying our football, and making our fans proud," Sky Sports quoted Mata as saying.
"Since the game against Shrewsbury in the FA Cup, this victory gave us our confidence back. We won a massive game against Arsenal, and we showed character, intensity, and then in the last game it was tough."
"That's what confidence means for me and any player I think. When you are winning and when you are having good results it is in a way easier to play your football, and that's what we're doing right now."
Despite some good run, Manchester United cannot afford to take West Brom lightly, as their opponent are expected to come out all guns blazing to please the home fans. West Brom have been decent of late, holding table toppers, Leicester City to a 1-1 draw, and defeating Crystal Palace.
West Brom have scored five goals in their last two matches, so if United defenders drop their guard, players such as Saido Berahino and Victor Anichebe will trouble United.
With West Brom enjoying a good run of games lately, manager Tony Pulis is quite confident about his team.
"If we can get to 40 points in the next few games [West Brom have 36], we will then try to get more points than the club has ever got in this league," EPL official website quoted Pulis as saying.
"They [United] are a good side, they have got some good players. We know it will be a tough game, they have had a great result again on Wednesday so they will come full of confidence."
"It is just making sure the players enjoy the challenge. The big thing is to enjoy it. The last three league games, we have won at Everton, beaten Crystal Palace and then had a good draw at Leicester. The last two games, Leicester and Palace, have been full of goals as well so it keeps everybody quiet."
West Brom will miss Jonny Evans, Chris Brunt, James Morrison and Callum McManaman due to injuries. For United, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones' participation remains doubtful.
Where to watch live
West Brom vs Manchester United EPL live match is scheduled for 4 p.m. GMT (11 a.m. ET, 9:30 p.m. IST) start. Live TV coverage of the West Brom vs Manchester United EPL live in India will be on Star Sports 4/HD while the match can also be watched via live streaming on Hotstar and Starsports.com.
West Brom vs Manchester United EPL will be shown live in the UK on Sky Sports 1/HD with live streaming on Sky Go.
NBC Sports Network will broadcast the West Brom vs Manchester United EPL live in the US, while the action can also be live streamed on NBC Sports Live Extra.
Australia viewers can watch the West Brom vs Manchester United EPL live on Fox Sports 5, while the online live streaming options are on Foxtel Play.
