TEAM NEWS
Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has been passed fit despite suffering a knee problem last weekend.
But Michael Carrick remains sidelined with a calf injury, Luke Shaw is ruled out with a groin injury and Jonny Evans is out with a sciatic nerve problem.
West Brom midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu returns from a ban, while loanee Andre Wisdom is back after being ineligible to face parent club Liverpool.
Boss Tony Pulis has several other injury concerns but will not name them.
MATCH PREVIEW
Long before the final whistle blew at Goodison Park last Sunday,you could anticipate the mood of Louis van Gaal. His face said it all.
His words only reinforced his expression when he said his team lacked motivation and aggression.
The Manchester United manager even had concerns about the warm-up. Make no mistake, he will expect an immediate reaction.
Lawro's prediction |
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"As a team, Manchester United did not really turn up last weekend at Everton and they were well beaten at Goodison Park. It was a surprise to see such a no-show from their players, especially after so many impressive performances from their players in the last few weeks."
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Liverpool's midweek defeat at Hull certainly reduced the impact of Everton's win but Manchester United will want to cement their place in the top four with a strong finish and accomplish their pre-season mission.
Most of their problems this term have come away from home. The foundation has been at Old Trafford, where the fear factor has returned. They have lost just two Premier League home games, earning 43 points, and are aiming for a seventh successive home league win.
They will be boosted by the news that Wayne Rooney has overcome a knee injury. They've played their best football since their captain switched from midfield to centre-forward in February.
However, for the first time since December 2013, they have failed to score in back-to-back league games.
Tellingly, those successive defeats have come without the protection offered by Michael Carrick. United have lost just one of the 17 matches he has started this season.
Four points from the last six available has been a welcome return for West Brom after three straight defeats. What will add to the pleasure for Tony Pulis is they've also kept successive clean sheets.
They can safely look forward to more stability and a sixth successive season in the top flight.
One of Pulis' first acts when he took over was to sign Darren Fletcher and immediately install him as his captain. It will be an emotional first return for the Scottish international to the club where he won four league titles and a Champions League, and also received huge support off the field during his successful battle with illness.
He will know more than most to be aware of a positive Manchester United response.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
- West Brom's win at Old Trafford last season is their only victory in the last 21 league meetings (D4, L16).
- The Baggies last claimed successive league wins at Old Trafford between 1958 and 1959, when they won three consecutive games there.
Manchester United
- United's tally of 40 goals at home is the highest in the Premier League. They have scored at least three times in seven of their last nine home league games.
- Defeat would see them lose three successive top-flight matches for the first time since November-December 2001.
- The last time they failed to score in three successive league games was between May and August 2007.
- The Red Devils have won their last six home league games. It is their best run since a 12-match streak between October 2012 and March 2013.
- Wayne Rooney has scored 15 goals in his last 16 Premier League appearances at Old Trafford, compared to one in 17 away from home.
West Brom
- West Brom have scored 11 Premier League away goals this term - fewer than any other side.
- The Baggies could win back-to-back Premier League away games for the first time since November 2012.
- Only three of Saido Berahino's 18 league and cup goals this season have been scored away from home.
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