West Brom vs Man Utd betting preview 13/08/2011

West Brom

The new season arrives with a reasonable amount of optimism at the West Midlands club, and without ridiculous expectations. Roy Hodgson comfortably kept the Baggies up last season, and much of the same will be more than enough to keep fans and owners happy. Roy’s defensively structured counter attacking football made the side much more stable than Di Matteo’s side, and kept them from falling out of the division.

A relatively quiet transfer window has been made successful with the acquisition of Shane Long. Peter Odemwingie was far too pressurised to score West Brom’s goals last season, and the hard working Irishman Long, original favourite for the Championship Top Goalscorer whilst at Reading only last week, will definitely pose a threat to all class of defence. Otherwise, they have upgraded goalkeeper with Ben Foster coming in and Scott Carson leaving, alongside Zoltan Gera, Billy Jones and Gareth McAuley.

For those who put credence into pre-season form, West Brom won two, lost two and drew three this summer. In terms of starting line up, it’s difficult to see Roy playing 4-4-2 against big teams like United, so expect one striker and a team happy for a draw.

West Brom vs Man Utd odds

Man Utd

With title number 19 secured, Sir Alex Ferguson wasted no time in making a statement of intent in the transfer market. Ashley Young, Phil Jones and David De Gea were brought in for of a combined fee of around £50m. If last week’s Community Shield was anything to go by, the outfield talent has completely settled in and is looking sharper and easier on the eye than last season’s championship side. David De Gea looked shaky, but is known as a ‘keeper full of confidence, ability and even more potential.

Including the Community Shield United have won all seven pre-season games, including Barcelona, and must be on a high already. Their squad has grown even with the retirement of Scholes and Van Der Sar, and the sales of Brown and O’Shea. Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck have returned from loan spells, having grown into fully capable first team Premiership players, both included in the latest England squads too.

Without Javier Hernandez, concussed badly on tour last month, United played Danny Welbeck up front with Rooney on Sunday, but the team have many options. Young, Giggs and Nani can all play in behind him, whilst Berbatov, Owen and Welbeck can play ahead of Rooney.

Match Prediction – Manchester United WIN

Last week’s match against Manchester City showed Manchester United to be in the kind of mood you do not want to see when they are your next opponents. The hunger is there for a 20th title, and that hunger, which drove them last season when form escaped them, looks to be matched with a fluid attacking style the defensively stern City could not handle.

Can West Brom put an early puncture into their title charge? They certainly bothered United last season, harshly losing the home fixture 2-1 after poor refereeing decisions and were the only away team to take a point at Old Trafford.

Otherwise, much must be assumed from the strength of inviduals, last season and new signings. On this front it’s hard to look past Manchester United. Their fantastic Community Shield win, lead by the inspiration Nani, is hard to ignore, and a United win seems certain.

Highlighted Bets:-

Over/Under: Over 2.5 Goals – 1.73 Bet365
First Goalscorer: Nani – 9.5 Victor Chandler
Correct Score: 3-1 Manchester United Win – 13.00 Sky Bet

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