Match Previews

Albion vs Manchester United match preview

ALBION are looking to build on a positive draw away at Liverpool when they host Manchester United at The Hawthorns on Sunday (2.15pm ko).

The opposition 

Manchester United currently sit second in the Premier League table on 38 points having won 12, drawn two and lost three of their opening 17 matches.

Jose Mourinho’s side finished sixth last season, but managed to get their hands on two pieces of silverware as they won both the Europa League and the EFL Cup - with the former ensuring Champions League qualification.

Over the summer they brought in Victor Lindelof, Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matic, though Wayne Rooney was sold back to his boyhood club Everton.

Last time out 

The most recent game between the two teams was in April when Albion managed to draw 0-0 with Mourinho’s side at Old Trafford.

However, in the last match at The Hawthorns it was United who were victorious thanks to a goal either side of half time from Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the 2-0 win.

Stats

Albion

  • Albion have won three, drawn two and lost three of their last eight games against Manchester United.
  • The Baggies have kept two clean sheets in Alan Pardew’s first three matches - including at Anfield where they kept the PL’s top scorer and Liverpool’s ‘fab four’ quiet for 90 minutes.
  • Ben Foster will make his 200th appearance for the Club if he plays against his former team United.

Manchester United

  • United have won five of their last six matches in all competitions.
  • Lukaku has been directly involved in seven goals in six PL starts versus Albion (four goals, three assists).
  • No manager has beaten Jose Mourinho more times in the PL than Alan Pardew's three.

From the archive

Here are the highlights from our most recent win over United at The Hawthorns back in 2016.

Head to head

The head-to-head record is reasonably close despite United being the most successful team in English football history.

Of the 130 competitive matches against The Red Devils, the Baggies have won 43 times, lost on 55 occasions and drawn the other 32 games.

The gaffers

Pardew on injuries

"We've had a bit of a lift. Brunty's getting up to speed, Nacer Chadli's training, Craig Dawson's running around and getting close. We're getting our numbers back.

"Matt Phillips is close and hasn't been ruled out for the game against Stoke. But we've decided to be cautious.

"Gareth Barry will be in contention to play. Nacer probably needs a bit more training to be involved for this one, but he's back which is a good thing."

Mourinho on the game

"Their (Albion's) squad is good, the players are good and their stadium is enthusiastic. The match will be difficult.

"We change a few players from match to match because it’s almost impossible for a player to play all of these matches in December and the start of January.
 
"Paul Pogba is suspended the injured players still injured but we don’t have new injuries the same group from the other day."

Man in the middle

Anthony Taylor will be the referee for Sunday’s game, and he’ll be assisted by Stephen Child and Harry Lennard - with Bobby Madley as the fourth official.

Taylor has officiated one Albion game so far this season - the 1-1 draw with Stoke at The Hawthorns back in August.

Ticket news

Seats for the encounter with United are priced at £35 adults, £28 seniors (60+), £23 full-time students/young adults (22 and under) and just £14 juniors (U17).

Season-ticket holders, members and fans with a record on the Club's ticketing database can purchase online, in person from the East Stand Ticket Office or by calling 0121 227 2227.

There are no plans for this fixture to go on general sale.

*NOTE: Members who did not purchase their membership prior to Monday, November 6 do not qualify to purchase a ticket unless they have a booking history.

Follow the game

Comprehensive coverage of the clash with Manchester United is available in our Match Centre, where you can listen to free live commentary on WBA Radio or follow our live text feed.

WBA Radio is the only service that allows Baggies fans around the world - from Smethwick to the Sahara - access to uninterrupted live commentaries from every one of our competitive games. Join Gez Mulholland and Dave Bowler for Baggies-biased live commentary on Sunday afternoon.

You’ll also be able to find score updates on the club's social media channels.

Twitter - @WBA

Facebook - West Bromwich Albion

Instagram - wba

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