Manchester United v West Brom - Darren Moore urges Baggies to give something back to the fans

Defeat to Manchester United tomorrow could put the final nail into the coffin, should Swansea, Crystal Palace and Huddersfield all win today.

Confirmation is more likely to take place at home to Liverpool next weekend, but for caretaker boss Darren Moore there is still plenty to fight for.

After being overcome with pride following his warm reception at The Hawthorns last weekend, he’s determined to give the Baggies fans he has such an affinity with something to cheer about.

“We keep planning and preparing as best as we possibly can,” he said. “The supporters and everyone connected to the club would want and expect that from us.

“That’s exactly what they’re going to get. The fans are a credit to themselves and the football club. It’s their club, it’s our club.

“Through thick and thin they’ll come and support. They’re doing their bit. No matter what the club goes through, good times and bad, the loyalty from supporters remains.

“They all know the relationship I have with them has been excellent and will remain.

“They’re support is valued and I’m saying to them thank you very much.”

Not that it’s going to be easy. This weekend’s trip to Old Trafford was daunting enough before Jose Mourinho’s team roared back from 2-0 down at the Etihad Stadium to delay their arch-rivals from lifting the title.

“They’ve got threats all over the place,” admitted Moore. “We’ve spoken about the Manchester derby and what an excellent game it was.

“That shows where their threats are, they’re all over, because of the personnel they’ve got. They’re top-quality players.”

Success is always relative, and Albion made their first tentative steps on to the road of recovery last weekend with a draw against Swansea that ended a nine-game losing streak.

“For me, it was a positive performance and result,” said Moore, who wants his team to use it as a platform.

“Just to stop the consecutive losses. What we have to do is remain focused. There are still fixtures to be played.”

This week he will be buoyed by the return of Sam Field, Nacer Chadli and Daniel Sturridge, who could all feature in the squad.

“I’m delighted to have them back,” said Moore. “All three are quality players and players we respect highly in terms of them as people and as footballers.”

That leaves just long-term absentee James Morrison on the treatment table, although skipper Jonny Evans is 50-50 after missing last weekend’s game with Swansea with a knee injury.

Albion have had some memorable days at Old Trafford in recent memory and have only lost one of their last four trips there.

In fact, the global superclub haven’t done the double over Albion for six years. Hopefully that run continues tomorrow.

Albion key man - Sam Field

The weary Baggies fans desperately need something to get excited about and Sam Field’s return could give them a much-needed glimpse into a potentially promising future. Hopefully he gets some minutes.

Opposition dangerman - Romelu Lukaku

The big No.9 is well-known to Albion fans and despite some unfair criticism in the middle of the campaign, he has actually enjoyed a successful opening season at United. He has 26 goals in all competitions, and four in his last seven. One of the youngest men to reach 100 Premier League goals, he’s not to be underestimated.

Likely line-ups

Albion (4-4-2): Foster, Nyom, Dawson, Hegazi, Gibbs, Phillips, Livermore, Brunt, McClean, Rodriguez, Rondon.

Subs: Myhill, McAuley, Yacob, Field, Burke, Chadli, Sturridge.

Manchester United (4-3-3): De Gea, Valencia, Bailly, Smalling, Young, Herrera, Matic, Pogba, Lingard, Lukaku, Sanchez.

Subs: Lindelof, Rojo, Mata, Martial, Rashford, McTominay, Pereira.

Big match prediction

Home win