West Bromwich Albion host Manchester United on Saturday at the Hawthorns. It will be another tight fixture for United, who have not had the brightest start to the campaign. However, two back to back wins have somewhat boosted their confidence and United will look to carry forward the momentum into the Christmas break.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s last-minute winner at Selhurst Park on Wednesday against Crystal Palace ensured that United won all three points. It has been a case of missed opportunities to put the game to bed that has seen United losing a lot of points. As a result, they are languishing at the sixth position in the league table.
Team News:
Antonio Valencia is all set to return after missing out the midweek fixture through suspension. However, Eric Bailly has sustained a knee injury during the Crystal Palace match. Chris Smalling is yet to recover and will miss out the Midlands trip while Luke Shaw is still unavailable for selection. Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who suffered an injury against Tottenham, is also set to miss out Saturday’s fixture.
Here is United’s probable line-up for the game against West Brom on Saturday.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
David De Gea:
De Gea is one of the best goalkeepers in the world currently and is a no-brainer at United’s goal. He will start the game against West Brom on Saturday.
Antonio Valencia:
The Ecuadorian has been playing some of the best football of his career in this season and will look to make a comeback to the starting XI after missing out the midweek fixture through suspension.
Phil Jones:
Jones has been solid in defence in the absence of Chris Smalling. With Bailly and Smalling both ruled out, he will retain his place in the line-up.
Marcos Rojo:
Although he is very inconsistent and is prone to making rash tackles, Rojo has forged a fruitful partnership with Jones in absence of Bailly and Smalling.
Daley Blind:
Blind has played in central defence and at left-back for United this season and on Wednesday he showed how assured he was at his natural position. It is likely that he will be preferred ahead of Darmian.
Micheal Carrick:
The stats show how much of an influence Carrick has on United’s winning equations. His calmness in front of the defence is much needed at United.
Ander Herrera:
The Spaniard has been in very good form this season, breaking up opposition attacks and making intelligent forward passes. Herrera will start on Saturday as United visit West Brom.
Juan Mata:
In Mkhitaryan’s absence, the right wing is an area of concern for Mourinho. Although Mata was not so effective in the last game, he has been one of the most consistent performers over the last few years and could start the game.
Paul Pogba:
Pogba showed at Selhurst Park on Wednesday why he cost £89m scoring the opener and assisting the winner. He will start the game on Saturday.
Anthony Martial:
Another area of concern for Mourinho, with neither Rashford nor Rooney has been able to perform on the left flank. Even Martial has been invisible in patches, but he should start the game.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic:
United’s top scorer, Ibrahimovic, proved once again that age is just a number when he scored the late winner on Wednesday. He will look to increase his tally when he takes the field at West Brom.