Manchester United will look to continue their push for a top-four finish when they make the trip to mid-table West Brom on Sunday afternoon.
With ten Premier League games to go, the Baggies seemingly have little to play for now, situated 11 points from a European spot, and 12 points above the relegation zone.
Tony Pulis’ side looked to be in a relegation battle a few weeks ago, but seven points from a possible nine, including a credible 2-2 draw at Leicester on Tuesday night, has eased those fears.
The target for the West Midlands outfit now will surely be a top half finish, but were dealt a blow with the news that Chris Brunt has been ruled out for around six months with a knee injury, meaning he will also miss out on a Euro 2016 campaign with his country, Northern Ireland.
Three weeks ago, United manager Louis van Gaal conceded defeat in the race to finish in a Champions League spot, but following two straight wins, and rivals Manchester City slipping up, they are just three points from that target.
The latest triumph came in a 1-0 success against Watford at Old Trafford in midweek, when Juan Mata’s late goal gave the Red Devils a much-needed three points.
With ten matches left of the top flight campaign and a trip to the Etihad in a fortnight’s time, Van Gaal will know his side need maximum points when they make the trip south.
Team News:
For the hosts, former United defender Jonny Evans will miss out against his former club because of a hamstring problem.
Pulis will also be without midfielder Chris Brunt, who has been ruled out for around six months with a knee injury.
For United, Michael Carrick could return after being rested in the midweek win against Watford, while Chris Smalling could provide a much-needed boost in defence by making a return from a shoulder injury.
Phil Jones, Antonio Valencia and Marouane Fellaini are all available, but Van Gaal seems reluctant to risk any of them at the Hawthorns.
League Position: West Brom – 13th (36 pts); Man United – 6th (47 pts)
Previous Meeting: Man United 2-0 West Brom (November 7, 2015)
Form: West Brom – DDLWWD ; Man United – LWDLWW
Key Men: West Brom – Jose Salomon Rondon ; Man United – Juan Mata
Shoot Says: West Brom 1-1 Manchester United