EPL: Man Utd v West Brom preview

Man Utd v West Brom preview

West Brom's relegation could be confirmed this weekend when they visit Manchester United.

A defeat at Old Trafford could seal their fate if Swansea, Huddersfield and Crystal Palace all win on Saturday - while United will be looking to tighten their grip on second place and further delay rival Manchester City's hopes of claiming the Premier League title.

Ahead of the game, Jose Mourinho has admitted he is surprised to see West Brom 10 points adrift of safety ahead of the weekend's fixtures.

He said: "I am surprised. The quality, the experience of many of the players, the squad and the stability of the past years, it is a surprise for me that they find themselves in this position.

"I think it is a big challenge because they know that in football anything is possible until mathematically impossible. They know that, everybody knows.

 

"They still smell a chance but every match that is played if they don't get points then they are closer to relegation, but I think they still believe."

 

United are close to guaranteeing Champions League football next season, but Mourinho is driven to finish second behind City.

He added: "We need the points and obviously to finish fourth we need four or five points, but to finish second we need much more than that.

"And after three important points last weekend, we have to try to do these three (points) and be closer to the end of the season and second position, which is in this moment our ambition."

 

Daniel Sturridge could make his return after missing the last seven games with a hamstring injury.

As well as Sturridge, Nacer Chadli and Sam Field could be back in contention for the visitors.

Chadli is back in training after a thigh problem, while fellow midfielder Field has shaken off a calf injury he picked up during the last international break.

Caretaker boss Darren Moore is hoping all three will be involved at Old Trafford but Jonny Evans (knee) might miss out against his former club and Hal Robson-Kanu (concussion) is not yet ready to return.

Manchester United have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the game.

Backup goalkeeper Sergio Romero is still sidelined after suffering a collision on Argentina duty, but versatile Daley Blind is back in training and pushing for a return.

Romelu Lukaku has overcome illness that affected him in the derby win against Manchester City. Ashley Young was also reportedly feeling unwell in that game.