Betting: Baggies to continue revival over improving United
Tony Pulis was, at times, close to the axe last season with many West Brom supporters calling for his head.
But how times have changed at The Hawthorns.
The Baggies, now in seventh place, are just three points behind Manchester United, who they face tomorrow.
Jose Mourinho’s men are beginning to find their feet under the Portuguese and have won two games on the bounce, including a late midweek win over struggling Crystal Palace.
Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic stole the show at Selhurst Park, with both men proving their worth following the pair’s high-profile arrivals in the summer.
While Pogba’s goal was somewhat controversial, United were good value for their win and slowly appear to be turning a corner after a sluggish start.
West Brom are the surprise package of this season and have one of the Premier League’s most in-form strikers among their ranks.
Salomon Rondon bagged a 13-minute hat-trick of headers against Swansea on Wednesday, taking his tally for the season up to seven.
That 3-1 win over the Swans was the Baggies’ fourth win in six – only Chelsea have beaten them in that time.
Rondon’s performances have been particularly eye-catching, with the Venezuelan international’s pace, power and a deft touch for a big man causing problems for teams up and down the league.
He scored the winner in March’s 1-0 win over United, and will be hoping to continue his hot streak tomorrow.
Given West Brom’s current run, and that win last season, I am really tempted by Betway’s 9/2 for a Baggies win.
United have just 10 goals in as many league games, and could struggle to break down a Pulis-drilled defence.
I certainly am not expecting it to be anything like the 5-5 draw between these two in 2013 – and will be selling total goals at 2.45.
Pointers
West Brom – 9/2 (Betway)
Sell total goals – 2.45 (Sporting Index)