The Big Match Tactical View: West Brom v Man Utd

Can Louis van Gaal register his first away win?

Manchester United are yet to win away from home under Louis van Gaal. Can they change that on Monday night? Michael Cox and Alan Thompson provide the tactical and betting knowledge respectively...

West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United
Monday 20:00, Sky Sports
Match Odds: West Brom 5.14/1, Man Utd 1.784/5, The Draw 4.1n/a

Manchester United endured a stuttering start to their Premier League campaign, but found themselves in the top four coming into this weekend, following back-to-back victories.

This, however, is the type of contest they must win to ensure they remain a favourite for the Champions League places.

Few teams have received less coverage than West Brom this season, and while Alan Irvine was unveiled to a chorus of sighs over the summer, he's proved himself a decent tactician. Moyes might not have worked at United, but his old assistant is performing a solid job so far at Albion.

It's the same situation for both teams, but Louis van Gaal will be pleased to have an extra couple of days to prepare for this Monday night fixture. With plenty more players on international duty - including some, like Angel Di Maria, Marcos Rojo and Radamel Falcao, travelling back from different continents - the extra couple of days to prepare will be extremely useful. Indeed, United seem to be improving the more time Van Gaal spends with his players on the training ground.

United are unlikely to deviate significantly from what has become Van Gaal's default system, a 4-4-2 diamond. Wayne Rooney's continued absence through suspension means Falcao and Robin van Persie will play upfront with Juan Mata behind, although it feels like none of the trio have yet found their best form this season. Angel Di Maria will be the biggest threat from midfield, shuttling forward from the left of the diamond - he's been close to United's best player in all his matches so far.

United still have injury concerns, although Phil Jones and Chris Smalling could both return, with Jonny Evans rated as doubtful.

For the Baggies, Brown Ideye and Victor Anichebe are both out, so Irvine will continue to play one upfront, with in-form Saido Berahino leading the line. He'll cause United's centre-backs problems with his pace, particularly on the break, although it's vital the home side get midfield runners forward in support. The more United are attacked, the more they seem nervous and tentative with their own possession play. 

Chris Brunt is another injury doubt, so James Morrison and Stephane Sessegnon might have to break forward regularly, with Graham Dorrans also an option. Sessegnon's battle against Daley Blind could be interesting - although highly intelligent tactically and excellent in a technical sense, Blind isn't the most physical, so could encounter problems.

Perhaps the most interesting tactical feature of this game will be the positioning of the full-backs. United's diamond means they lack natural width from high up the pitch, encouraging Rafael da Silva and Luke Shaw to overlap and stretch the play. The same applies in reverse, though: the lack of natural width means West Brom's full-backs are free to break forward. 

Right-back Christian Gamboa might be too afraid of leaving space for Di Maria to break into, but this could be a good test of left-sided Sebastian Pocognoli's attacking capabilities. Marouane Fellaini could be on the right of United's diamond, and he lacks dynamism in possession.

Manchester United's away record under Van Gaal is dreadful: draws at Sunderland and Burnley, a 5-3 defeat at Leicester, and the 4-0 embarrassment at MK Dons in the League Cup. But I'm confident they've turned the corner since then, and they should have too much for West Brom in the final third. Back United to win at 1.758/11.

Recommended bet:

Back Manchester United to win at 1.774/5

The Betfair Trader's View: Alan Thompson

Before the international break there were signs that Manchester United were starting to find their scoring touch with 11 goals coming in their last four games. Last season away from Old Trafford, United had the best away record against sides that finished in the bottom half of the league, winning nine of their ten games and scoring an average of 2.5 goals per game. Against such opposition last term they only conceded seven goals – this season they conceded five at Leicester alone.

The Red Devils are without a win in their last five Premier League away trips and after this game they face three of their Champions League rivals in their next four fixtures, Chelsea (home), Manchester City (away) and Arsenal (away). For that reason they have to be looking at taking all three points here.

When the top six visited the Baggies last season, all of them conceded goals and only Manchester City left with all three points. The other five games were all draws. If Irvine's men are to score against this dodgy Manchester United defence then there is a good chance it will come from Saido Berahino who is responsible for five of West Brom’s eight goals and has already equalled his goal tally for last season.

I will be dutch backing Manchester United to win 1-2 @ 9.4 and 1-3 @ 15.5 giving dutched odds of approximately 5.8.

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