After a rocky start to the season Manchester United entered the latest international break with two straight close wins and a bit of positive momentum for themselves. They remain well out of the title race, but they've managed to claw up to sixth place, well within striking distance of a European spot.
West Bromwich Albion vs. Manchester United live stream: How to watch the EPL online, TV schedule and more
United must focus on their trip to the Hawthornes with three potentially season-defining matches looming on the schedule.
United begin a brutal stretch of games after Monday's trip to the Hawthornes with games against Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal in three of their next four games. Those games could help define United's season, so Louis van Gaal's biggest challenge could be making sure his team is focused on the Baggies and not looking ahead to future challenges.
West Brom have started the season in average fashion with two wins against two draws and three losses. There sitting 14th in the table in a pack of four clubs with eight points who are all just above the drop zone. As much as the Baggies could use a win, history is not on their side as United have never lost to West Brom at the Hawthornes in seven Premier League meetings.
Key Players: The United defense
Van Gaal's defense was a total mess at the start of the season thanks to injuries and struggles adapting to his tactics. The tidal wave of awful peaked in a 5-3 loss against Leicester City on September 21, but in the two league matches following that loss, United have only conceded two goals (one in each game). It's clear progress but questions remain, especially after the Everton game where David de Gea played out of his mind, denying Everton what seemed like sure goals on several occasions.
It’s hard to predict what kind of test West Brom will give United given their extremely hot and cold attack this season, but another solid performance for the Red Devils would have them feeling better with some tough games ahead.
Louis Van Gaal
Key Matchup: Craig Dawson and Joleon Lescott vs. Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie
Assuming LVG sticks with a two striker formation with both Falcao and van Persie starting, it’s going to be a challenging day for the West Brom defense. Dawson and Lescott have started the last two games in the central defense and it’s safe to assume that will be the case again on Monday. Lescott is experienced and has dealt (or attempted to deal) with some of the best strikers in the world, so that should help the defense a bit. It will still be a tremendous task to slow down two prolific strikers like Falcao and RVP, but for the Baggies to have a chance, that’s what needs to happen.
West Brom injuries and suspensions
In Doubt: Chris Brunt (groin), Victor Anichebe (hernia)
Manchester United injuries and suspensions
Out: Wayne Rooney (suspended), Antonio Valencia (hamstring), Jonny Evans (ankle), Jesse Lingard (knee). In Doubt: Ander Herrera (fitness), Chris Smalling (fitness), Ashley Young (fitness), Phil Jones (fitness), Michael Carrick (fitness)
United's injury list is improving but they'll still be missing some players for Monday's clash with West Brom. Wayne Rooney is serving the second game of his three match red card ban, while Antonio Valencia's hamstring will keep him out. Jonny Evans and Jesse Linegard remain sidelined as well. A large group of players including Herrera, Smalling, Young, Jones and Carrick have all been training and could feature depending on their fitness. West Brom's Chris Brunt and Victor Anichebe are both doubts with nagging injuries.
Match Date/Time: Monday 8 p.m. local, 3 p.m. ET
Venue: The Hawthornes, West Bromwich, England
TV: NBCSN, Mun2 (U.S.), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.), Sportsnet World (Canada)
Online: NBC Live Extra, Deportes Telemundo En Vivo (U.S.), Sky Go (U.K.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada)
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