Manchester United v West Brom: Another draw on the cards for United?

Published on March 27th, 2017 1:29 am EST
Written By: Cian Murray
Manchester United manager, Jose Mourinho, under the Old Trafford lights.  Year is 2017. The Premier League returns this weekend after a short international break and one man who will be delighted to see it back is Jose Mourinho.

The Manchester United manager will be hoping his side can continue the rich vein of form they have been enjoying as of late and can continue their push for a top four spot.

Standing in their way this weekend is Tony Pulis' West Brom side, who themselves are coming off a strong win against Arsenal.

As expected, United go into this game as strong favorites, with most bookies offering around 3/10 for them to take all three points.

Considering the selection crisis in Mourinho's side's midfield, we are not so sure that this is the bet that offers the best value.

They will definitely be without the suspended Ander Herrera, while Paul Pogba, Marouane Fellaini and Wayne Rooney are all injury doubts.

The Red Devils will also have to do without their talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is also serving a suspension.

West Brom are priced at around 10/1 to take advantage of this mini selection crisis and defeat another one of the Premier League's big guns. Pulis' side are having a great season and sit just three positions behind United, in eight.

That being said, it is unlikely that they will end United's unbeaten Premier League run, which goes all the way back to October 2016. Chelsea were the last side to defeat United in the league and although West Brom are solid, they are simply not on that level.

For us, the value bet lies in the draw here, which is priced at approximately 4/1. United's long unbeaten run has seen them draw at home against the likes of Burnley, West Ham, Hull and Bournemouth. We think there will be another name on that list come Saturday.

You have to go back to 1983 to find the last scoreless game between these two, so we reckon there will be goals.

Both teams to score and the game to finish a draw is a very generous 15/2 and could be a steal if it comes in for punters.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic terrorized The Baggies in the reverse fixture, scoring both goals in a 2-0 victory for United.

They will need someone else to step up to the mark if they are to keep the pressure on Liverpool, who are four points ahead of them in the final Champions League place.

Marcus Rashford is 3/1 to do just that and get the first goal, but we reckon the value lies in the underrated Jesse Lingard. Lingard is never shy about stepping up to the plate when his team needs inspiration.

He grabbed a goal in the EFL Cup Final and scored in United's last league game against Middlesbrough. He is priced at 5/1 to continue this good form and score the first goal.

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