Both teams in their traditional colours today, and it's Manchester United, kicking from right to left, who get us under way.

Image source, Getty Images

A blast of 'Carmina Burana' as the players come out at the Hawthorns. To some, the music that introduces the X Factor judges; to those of a certain generation, 'the All Spice music' apparently...

Here's a picture of West Brom midfielder Darren Fletcher playing tennis.

The purists amongst you will be delighted to see that the gritty midfield battler has a flamboyant single-handed backhand in the locker. The West Bromwich Wawrinka. The Henin of the Hawthorns.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Hiring Tony Pulis - to continue our car theme, it's a bit like buying a Volvo, isn't it? You know you're not getting anything flashy, that you're saying goodbye to the prospect of glorious full-throttle motoring on European autoroutes.

But on the other hand, it's safe and dependable. Your speeding days are over, but you know you're not going to crash and burn. Come what may, it'll keep you safe.

Image source, Gett

So how do the likes of Marcus Rashford keep their feet on the ground after their stellar start to life in the Premier League? Well, ex-Manchester United player - and Thoroughly Decent Pro - Darren Fletcher has a few sage words of advice.

"There are challenges that still lie ahead for those young players to prove, but keep it going just now," the Scot said.

"I would say to them keep working hard and don't think you've made it just yet. You've made it when you've won two or three Premier Leagues and you've played for four or five seasons – that is when you can buy your Bentley or your super car. That is when you have made it."

Sound advice. But if you only graduate to a Bentley after five seasons, what's acceptable for a young pro in their maiden Premier League campaign? A Vauxhall Astra? A second-hand banger with the doors hanging off? Roller skates?

Here's West Brom manager Tony Pulis, another man unlikely to get carried away with a decent run of form:

"We have looked a threat going forward which is good, and hopefully we can look a threat on Sunday," he says.

"We have to maintain it. We're still four points short of what everybody wants [40 points], we have to get there as quick as we possibly can.

"We know it will be a tough game, they've had a great result again on Wednesday so they'll come full of confidence."

Four wins in a row in all competitions, but has it stopped Louis van Gaal moaning? Has it heck.

"We have to go step by step," he says. "We now have four victories in a row, which is fantastic, but we have a very small selection at the moment. Players are coming back, but I still have to solve a problem in my line-up every week.

"When players are coming back, they are not fit enough. You've seen how [Marcos] Rojo was struggling. I give them 20 minutes and then 50 minutes and today 70 minutes and I have to do that within Premier League matches.

"It is better to do that in the second team, but I am forced to do that. The last four matches have been great, but we still have to go step by step."

Image source, Reuters

Image source, Getty Images

West Brom have also been in decent fettle of late, winning two of their last three games and drawing the other against table-topping Leicester.

Salomon Rondon and Craig Gardner have chipped in with a couple of goals apiece in those matches, while prodigal son Saido Berahino returned to the fold with a goal in the 3-2 win against Crystal Palace.

The only sour note in recent weeks has been a season-ending knee injury to defender Chris Brunt.

What's going on at Manchester United? After months of unrelenting gloom, all of a sudden the dark clouds have lifted at Old Trafford. 

Three league wins in five have seen the Red Devils close to within three points of the top four - and it's the young whippersnappers who have breathed life into their season.

18-year-old Marcus Rashford scored two and set up another in the 3-2 win against Arsenal, while the likes of Guillermo Varela and Timothy Fosu-Mensah have also turned in solid performances.

Image source, Getty Images

There's a lesson here for parents everywhere: give youth a chance. Leave the kids in charge. Grandma's 80th? Let the teenagers take care of it. Sorted.

Meanwhile, over at Selhurst Park, there's been a sensational finish in the match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool, involving a red card, a goalkeeping howler, a late contentious penalty, and an absolutely textbook jacket throw from Alan Pardew.

Take a look at all the reaction in our live text.

Ian Dennis
BBC Radio 5 live senior football reporter

"It's hard to believe it was only three weeks ago that Louis van Gaal conceded defeat in the race for Champions League football. , externalYet in this remarkable season, we should know to expect the unexpected.

"Could Van Gaal deliver? Don't bet against it - yet you would not bet on the Dutchman still being in charge next season. Uncertainty remains in an unpredictable season.

"An upturn in results has lifted West Brom, who are virtually safe, yet their satisfaction will be tempered by sympathy for Chris Brunt, who will miss Euro 2016 through injury. It's a cruel blow, and I wish him a speedy recovery.

"Van Gaal knows only too well the perils of an exhaustive injury list but United's youngsters have adapted, providing fresh momentum ahead of a trip to The Hawthorns - where United haven't lost in the league since 1984."

As ever, we want to hear from you this afternoon. What do you reckon to Manchester United's recent renaissance? Can Louis' lads keep it going? And is the Champions League a realistic aspiration?

Baggies fans, we want you to weigh in too - can Tony Pulis's side keep up their good run of form?

Get in touch on Twitter at #bbcfootball or via text to 81111.

Do you agree with Lawro? Or do you foresee a win for either side this afternoon?

Well, put your (metaphorical) money where your mouth is and make your choice using the BBC Sport Predictor.

Image source, BBC Sport

Mark Lawrenson
BBC football expert

Mystic Lawro has been gazing into his crystal ball ahead of this weekend's fixtures...and he's going for a 1-1 draw in this game.

Lawro says: "Manchester United's good run continued with their win over Watford and they are now level on points with fourth-placed Manchester City, although they have played a game more.

"United boss Louis van Gaal is overcoming every hurdle placed in front of him at the moment but in the long term I don't think it will change people's opinion on him or whether he stays in his position.

"West Brom have had a good few days, taking four points from Crystal Palace and Leicester, and that has ended any lingering doubts that they might get dragged into the relegation scrap. Baggies boss Tony Pulis will make plans to stop United, and I think they will work."

West Brom are unchanged from the team that drew 2-2 against Leicester last time out.

Image source, BBC Sport

For Manchester United, teenage sensation Marcus Rashford continues up front, while Matteo Darmian, Chris Smalling and Michael Carrick all return to the side.

Image source, BBC Sport

Hello and welcome to live text commentary of West Brom v Manchester United in the Premier League. 

Kick off is at 16:00 GMT, and the teams are in...

From the general sense of desolation surrounding Manchester United this season, you could have been forgiven for thinking they'd be lucky to scrape into the top half.

But suddenly, after a few morale-boosting wins - and some defeats for the teams above them - things are looking rosier than Alex Ferguson's complexion.

The Red Devils are sixth, but win today and they'll go above West Ham into fifth, and be outside the top four on goal difference alone.

Not only that, they'll only be 10 points off the top. Just saying...