Manchester United play host to West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon trying to avoid equalling an unwanted club record.
The Red Devils only have previously still did not find the net in three-successive top-flight games on three occasions before, but another shutout contrary to the Baggies will match that rare feat.
We have become a third of how through the season however it is still near impossible to gauge precisely how happy United supporters are near this moment.
A Champions League wow CSKA Moscow in midweek helped propel the Red Devils to top spot in Group B, albeit because of the slenderest of winning margins, while just four points stands between themselves along with the Premier League summit.
In a number of ways, though, it's the bland form of play that may be worrying the fanbase, producing more than the odd murmur of discontent in recent weeks with repeated chants of "Attack! Attack! Attack!" on the Stretford End.
Louis van Gaal certainly has his work reduce, understanding that not only does he have to provide good success - something lacking currently domestically speaking - but in addition turn on the kind of play to offer more goals and entertainment.
A rather poor group of results in October, beginning from a 3-0 thrashing from Arsenal and ending with successive stalemates, did little to appease those calling for an even more direct type of play.
Throw another goalless draw into your mix, this time around when being dumped out from the League Cup in your own home to Middlesbrough, and United knew heading into that midweek tie at Old Trafford how they simply were required to get off the potential.
The man who provided really the only goal on the evening has himself belong to increasing pressure, with Wayne Rooney's barren run seeing him score within five with the Red Devils' 17 games thus far this term.
Van Gaal, that has urged supporters to behind each player the other day, also hinted within his pre-match press conference how the England international will always be up top for your visit of West Brom.
That perhaps may not be such a bad choice, with Rooney scoring seven and assisting four more within his last seven league starts resistant to the Baggies.
It comes to an end the other end where United have looked particularly strong up to now, though, keeping a league-high seven clean sheets, including four over the last five, but an explanation to score in three in their last four has ensured which the same questions are continually being asked.
Recent form in Premier League: WWLWDD
Recent form (all competitions): WDDLDW
While results have gone from extreme to an alternative for West Brom currently, their away form - among the finest in the division - has looked more solid.
The Baggies have won five and lost just two in their last nine Premier League away games stretching into last season, while only 1 side - Crystal Palace - has were breach their net out and about this term.
That run of indifferent overall form has ultimately left Albion relaxing in mid-table, exactly seven points relating to the drop zone along with a place alongside Man United in fourth.
While an electric for a European berth is exceedingly unlikely this holiday season, challenging for the spot inside league's top eight places is obviously a target worth chasing.
If which is to be for the agenda for WBA then adding more goals with their game is essential, having up to now outscored only Stoke City inside Premier League.
Ten goals using their company opening 11 matches is merely marginally greater than Stoke's 0.82 goals-per-game ration, and positively something that may be holding the West Midlands outfit in their pursuit for break to the top half.
West Brom will also be one of only four teams yet to possess scored inside the opening quarter-hour of a top-flight game, whilst they come up against a United side with hardly seen the goals flow in in your own home this season, with just seven in most - the identical number because the Baggies.
Tony Pulis has perhaps been just a little distracted by events which have been developing from the field immediately, following your Football Association's decision to fine him £8,000 for his recent misconduct.
The Welshman, it's fair to mention, survived extremely unhappy with the refereeing display on show during his side's 3-2 loss in the home to Leicester City last time out, and contains now called for that governing body being more open with regards to dealing with fines.
Recent form in Premier League: WLLWWL
Recent form (all competitions): LLLWWL
Morgan Schneiderlin continues to be struggling with illness immediately, forcing him to miss the enlighten CSKA, however the midfielder has returned to training and it is now in contention to experience a part.
United will still be without Antonio Valencia and long-term absentee Luke Shaw, however, while fellow full-back Matteo Darmian can even sit that one out after accumulating five yellow cards.
Van Gaal made clear in the pre-match press conference that he is not expecting a great number of changes, in spite of the quick turnaround in games, but he could tweak his formation slightly for top level out of Anthony Martial inside a central attacking position.
In terms in the visitors, Pulis says he retains "one or two doubts" heading into Saturday's clash, though he refused to enter any further detail.
James Morrison is truly one of those in contention to begin, having returned from injury within the defeat to Leicester, where there could also be a welcome Old Trafford return for Jonny Evans and Darren Fletcher.
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
De Gea; Young, Smalling, Jones, Rojo; Schweinsteiger, Carrick; Mata, Rooney, Lingard; Martial
West Bromwich Albion possible starting lineup:
Myhill; Dawson, McCauley, Evans, Brunt; McManaman, Fletcher, Yacob, McClean; Rondon, Berahino
Head To Head
West Brom choosing a lump sum just one with their last five games against Man United from the Premier League, winning two and drawing one out of that sequence.
Those last two victories came in successive matches at Old Trafford, the truth is, while using Red Devils' only home defeat within their last 13 outings coming against Pulis's men.
A second-half Jonas Olsson goal proved the main difference for Albion in May, when they inflicted one third Prem defeat in the row on the opponents for your first time in 14 years.
Tag :
English Premier League
