Venue: Old Trafford Date: Saturday, 29th December K/O: 15:00 GMT
Team News
Manchester United will be without forward Wayne Rooney, who sat out his sides 4-3 victory over Newcastle United on Boxing Day with a knee injury. Long-term absentee Nani is still out with a hamstring injury, as is midfielder Anderson, whilst defender Rafael's hamstring will be assessed. Shinji Kagawa is still absent with a knee injury, while Nick Powell is out due to illness, and Phil Jones is sidelined for an unspecified reason. West Brom defenders Jonas Olsson (knock) and Goran Popov could miss this game, whilst midfield pair Claudio Yacob and Steven Reid aren't expected back until January. Youssouf Mulumbu (knock) is also doubtful.
Match Preview
Manchester United will be top of the league on New Years Day no matter the outcome here after moving 7 points clear of "noisy neighbours" Manchester City on Boxing Day - The Blue's slipping up with a surprise defeat to Sunderland. That's the best birthday present Sir Alex Ferguson could have asked for - the veteran Scott turns 71 on New Year's Eve but shows absolutely no signs of mellowing - he was an animated as ever on the touchline at United three times came from behind to see off Newcastle. United have gone behind 16 times now this season, 11 of which have ended in victories. West Brom will be a stern test for Ferguson's men though - they have been on a terrific run this season so far and currently occupy sixth place in the table, having gone unbeaten in three of their last Premier League games so far. To put West Brom's ascent up the table into perspective, a win here for the Baggies could see them leap up to 3rd, depending on results elsewhere. That's quite remarkable for a team who were relegated in 2010.
Likely Line-Ups
Man United: de Gea, Evra, Evans, Ferdinand, Smalling, Young, Carrick, Cleverley, Valencia, van Persie, Hernandez
West Brom: Foster, McAuley, Ridgewell, Jones, Tamas, Morrison, Gerra, Brunt, Dorrans, Long, Lukaku Team News courtesy of
the Telegraph.