Statistical Preview: West Brom vs Manchester United

West Brom entertain Manchester United with both sides fully refreshed after a weekend off, following the disruption caused by the League Cup final. It’s a vital game for both sides as we approach the business end of the season, and Pepe Mel will be particularly concerned that his side’s poor form has seen them dragged into a relegation dogfight.

Following the departure of Shane Long to Hull in the January transfer window, youngster Saido Berahino must shoulder much of the goalscoring burden for the Baggies. The 20-year old has impressed since breaking into the first team at the start of the team, particularly with his willingness to take shots at goal at any available opportunity, something that is demonstrated through the fact that he’s taken a shot at goal every 29 minutes this term. 

If West Brom are to be relegated this year there certainly won’t be a shortage of suitors looking to secure the services of Claudio Yacob. The holding midfielder has become an essential part of the West Brom team, with his ability to shield the back four to great effect allowing the more creative players to express themselves further up the pitch. His excellent defensive ability can be shown clearest through the fact that he has won 98 tackles this term, more than any other player in the league.

The cornerstone of West Brom’s success under former manager Steve Clarke was the pairing of the aforementioned Claudio Yacob with fellow central midfielder Youssuf Mulumbu. The two marshaled the centre of the field to great effect, allowing the Baggies to gain a real stranglehold on matches. Considering his reputation as a midfield enforcer, Baggies fans may be surprised to hear that Mulumbu has also completed a incredibly high total of dribbles this term, with the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index showing that he has completed 31 – second only behind Sessegnon in the West Brom table.

Morgan Amalfitano has been an astute signing for West Brom as the Frenchman has become something of an outlet for them on the flank. The on-loan midfielder is very much in the classic winger mould as he enjoys taking full backs on, and swinging a teasing cross into the box. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he has done this to great effect this term, as he has completed the third most dribbles in the West Brom squad (26) and swung in the most deliveries (25).

Manchester United head to the Hawthorns 12 points away from the Champions League spots. Although the difference isn’t insurmountable, the Champions will need to hit a purple patch to force their way back into contention.

With Nemanja Vidic agreeing to join Inter Milan at the end of the year David Moyes Chris Smalling must think that his time has come to really make his mark on the first team, and hold down a regular first team place. Pundits may not be convinced by Smalling’s ability to fill the skipper’s boots, but when looking at the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, it appears that some of these criticisms can be considered slightly unfounded. So far this season, the former Fulham man has made a total of 201 defensive contributions (based on blocks, interceptions, clearances and tackles won), the third most in the United squad, winning a staggering 95% of his challenges in the process.

One of David Moyes’ priorities at the start of the season was to sign a new left back, with Patrice Evra appearing to be unable to replicate the form that had made him one of the first names on the Manchester United team sheet for the best part of 8 years. No man can ever beat the passing of time, but Evra has certainly gone some way to show that there’s still life in the old dog yet, as he has been one of the Red Devil’s standout performers in an otherwise disappointing season. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he has made the second most defensive contributions in the squad (260), and also swung in more crosses than any other defender in the league (23).  

Critics may question the money in Wayne Rooney’s bumper new contract, but they surely will be unable to doubt the importance of the former Everton man to the Manchester United team. Rooney’s centrality is best demonstrated through the fact that he has scored 10 goals for Moyes’ men, bettered only by Van Persie’s 11, and he has also registered more assist than any other United player (11).

Adnan Januzaj has been a rare bright spark in an otherwise gloomy season for the Champions, with the teenager making an immediate impact on the first team. Of his many assets, the area that he probably excels best at is his dribbling, showcased through the fact he has completed 35 dribbles this term – more than any other Manchester United player.