Perhaps the criticism of Louis van Gaal’s Manchester United as a still stodgy proposition is unfair. Football is a results business first and last and the manager is doing fine in this department. The club is re-established as a challenger for the Premier League, and they also lead their Champions League group, after the midweek win over CSKA Moscow. In last season’s corresponding fixture at Old Trafford, West Bromwich Albion beat United 1-0 so there should not be too many complaints if they win ugly. Again. Jamie Jackson
Kick-off Saturday 3pm
Venue Old Trafford
Last season Manchester United 0 West Bromwich Albion 1
Referee Mike Dean
This season G10, Y38, R2, 4.20 cards per game
Odds H 4-11 A 11-1 D 4-1
Manchester United
Subs from Johnstone, Romero, Blind, Pereira, Fellaini, Schneiderlin, Herrera, Depay, Wilson, Varela, Powell
Doubtful Schneiderlin (illness), Wilson (knock)
Injured McNair (liver, 21 Nov), Valencia (ankle, 21 Nov), Shaw (broken leg, May)
Suspended Darmian (one match)
Form WWLWDD
Discipline Y19 R0
Leading scorers Martial, Mata 3
West Bromwich Albion
Subs from Lindegaard, Rose, Morrison, Lambert, Gnabry, McManaman, Nabi, Chester, Gamboa, Gardner, Anichebe, Pocognoli, Olsson
Doubtful Morrison (ankle)
Injured Foster (knee, Jan)
Suspended None
Form WLLWWL
Discipline Y23 R0
Leading scorers Berahino, Rondón 3
