Thievy Bifouma
Thievy Bifouma [Reuters]

West Bromwich Albion host Manchester United at the Hawthorns for the weekend Premier League fixture on Saturday.

Where to Watch Live

Kick-off is set for 12:45pm GMT. Live coverage of the game will be available on BT Sport 1. Catch the highlights of the game on Match of the Day at 10:30pm GMT on BBC One and BBC One HD.

Overview

West Brom have only managed to win one game out of their last 18 competitive fixtures and are struggling in the bottom half of the league table. They currently lie 17<sup>th with 25 points from 27 matches, just one point separating them from the relegation zone.

In their previous league clash, the Baggies managed to hold Fulham to a 1-1 draw at home last month. Ashkan Dejagah netted the opening goal for the away side in the first half and the Cottagers seemed destined to take all three points against Pepe Mel's side. But Maarten Stekelenburg allowed Matej Vydra's shot to cross the goal-line and both sides ended up sharing the spoils.

Earlier in the season, West Brom pulled off a shock 2-1 victory at Old Trafford. Wayne Rooney's goal in the second half was sandwiched between goals from Morgan Amalfitano and Saido Berahino for the away side. Mel will be hoping that his side can claim victory at home against the reigning champions as he is looking for his first win since his appointment in January.

Meanwhile, United defeated Crystal Palace 2-0 at Selhurst Park in their previous league fixture. Robin van Persie scored from the penalty spot after Marouane Chamakh's challenge brought down Patrice Evra inside the box. Rooney then added his name to the score sheet with a stunning volley in the 68<sup>th minute.

Van Persie
Robin van Persie [Reuters]

In their previous competitive fixture, the Red Devils travelled to Greece to face Olympiakos in the first leg of last-16 of the Champions League where David Moyes's side suffered a 2-0 defeat. Alejandro Dominguez opened the scoring in the first half and a curled attempt from outside the box by Arsenal loanee Joel Campbell sealed the English champions' fate in the first leg.

United sit seventh in the league table with 45 points from 27 matches, 12 less than fourth-placed Manchester City who have played one match less.

What Managers Say

Pepe Mel: "Winning games changes everything and by full-time tomorrow we could all be here smiling. It could actually be good for us that a big team is coming here to play. I think the most important thing is the players are ready to compete and realise it is possible to win. I have a lot of confidence and belief in the players and belief that everyone here is working together and that things are going to go well."

David Moyes: "I really believe the players are working hard for each other. They know they can play better and they know they will play better. We need to get back to creating more opportunities than we have done. I think we've played quite well in games but not scored or not taken our chances. In turn, teams have maybe defended and then counter-attacked and if we've lost a goal we've ended up having to chase the game a little bit more."

Team Form

West Bromwich Albion

  • Last Five (all competitions, most recent first): D D L D L
  • Last Result: West Bromwich Albion 1-1 Fulham

Manchester United

  • Last Five (all competitions, most recent first): L W D D L
  • Last Result: Olympiakos 2-0 Manchester United

Team News

David Moyes
David Moyes [Reuters]

West Bromwich Albion

  • Injured: Billy Jones (hamstring), Diego Lugano (knee)
  • Doubtful: James Morrison (muscle), Chris Brunt (unspecified)
  • Suspended: Nicolas Anelka

Probable Lineup: Foster; Reid, Dawson, McAuley, Ridgewell; Amalfitano, Gera, Mulumbu, Sinclair; Vydra, Bifouma

Manchester United

  • Injured: Jonny Evans (calf), Javier Hernandez (knee), Nani (hamstring)
  • Doubtful: N/A
  • Suspended: N/A

Probable Lineup: De Gea; Rafael, Smalling, Vidic, Evra; Carrick, Fellaini; Mata, Rooney, Young; Van Persie