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