Frantic finales, outrageous own-goals, despicable dives and superb striking – the Premier League served up some wonderful entertainment over the weekend, even by its own hyperbolic standards. And yet, the curtains remain open for this week’s edition of footballing drama, with West Bromwich Albion and Manchester United playing out the final act at the Hawthorns on Monday night. If spectators were expecting a relatively relaxing, low-key denouement after the weekend’s delirium, then perhaps they should brace themselves. Both sides will be desperate to win after promising performances of late, and with some memorable recent results between the pair, there is potential for this tie to be the ideal final flourish to what has been three thrilling days of Premier League football. Here’s five reasons why:

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Click on United’s chaps below to reveal all

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1. United’s attacking talent

Manchester United will not be heading into the game with a defensive outlook, that’s for sure. In fact, they would probably be unable to do so even if they tried their hardest, as the presposterous contrast between a plethora of world-class attacking talent and an inexperienced, injury-prone and lightweight defence has been one of the major talking points of Louis van Gaal’s tenure so far. Angel di Maria has had an immediate impact since his £60 million arrival from Real Madrid, while Radamel Falcao will be determined to build on his first goal for the club which came a fortnight ago against Everton. Throw in Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie, Juan Mata and Adnan Januzaj, and the Red Devils will are certain to cause havoc in the opposition half, which means that Baggies goalkeeper Ben Foster will have to be on the top of his game. Saying this, such an emphasis on attack will also give West Brom the chance to exploit United’s fragile defence, all of which indicates that a goalless draw is an implausible outcome.

2. Berahino on fire

Amid all the talk of Manchester United’s attacking prowess, it is easy to forget that West Bromwich Albion possess a star striker of their own. After showing glimpses of promise last season, Saido Berahino has exploded into life this campaign, scoring five league goals and excelling as the Baggies’ main attacking fulcrum. The 21-year old is currently the highest-scoring English striker in the Premier League, and after continuing his superb form for England’s Under-21 side during the international break, the calls for him to be called up to the senior side by Roy Hodgson are getting louder by the day. After scoring in West Brom’s last league outing against Liverpool, Berahino will be hoping to find the net against another Premier League heavyweight on Monday. Judging by his current form, you wouldn’t count against it.

3. Another ten-goal thriller on the cards?

Sir Alex Ferguson’s last ever game in charge of Manchester United was always going to be a special occasion, yet the incredbile 5-5 draw at the Hawthorns on the final day of the 2012/13 season ensured that the tie would be remembered for footballing reasons as well. After taking a 3-0 lead, United allowed a Romelu Lukaku-inspired West Brom team back into the game, and the Belgian striker’s hat-trick was the highlight of a remarkable comeback for the home side. The result was always going to be something of an anomaly given the extraordinary circumstances of the fixture and the fact that United had already been crowned as champions, yet for those players who participated in the highest-scoring draw in Premier League history and who are still playing for the two sides, the events of the game will remain fresh in the memory. If this season’s tie serves up a mere fraction of the entertainment that was witnessed on that sunny day in May, we should be in for a treat.

4. The only way is up

These may still be early days in the season, yet three points are crucial for both sides. For Manchester United, a victory would lift them back into the top four – Louis van Gaal’s side struggled at the beginning of the campaign but after three wins in four, there are signs that the Dutchman’s methods are beginning to work at Old Trafford. They will be determined not to lose this momentum at the Hawthorns, especially given that the five teams who sit above them in the table all won over the weekend. As for West Brom, their current situation is very similar to that of their opponents – they too have a new manager in the form of Alan Irvine, and a shaky start has also been replaced by some decent performances, the 4-0 demolition of Burnley being the stand-out example. Despite this increased sense of optimism surrounding Albion’s chances and the suitability of Irvine, they are just one point above the relegation zone. Nevertheless, so condensed is the Premier League table – bar high-flying Chelsea – that a victory could see them overtake Manchester United into sixth place. Win, and the two new managers will gain further support at a crucial period in their tenures when the backing of the fans and the board is paramount; lose, and the pressure will only increase. With much to play for, expect an intriguing duel at the Hawthorns on Monday evening.