Date: Saturday, 29th October 2016
Time: 15.00 GMT
Venue: The Hawthorns, West Bromwich
The Hawthorns sees Premier League table toppers Manchester City face West Bromwich Albion on Saturday. Neither side go into this fixture in great form and will both be hoping to reignite their season.
Last Season
The two sides met on the opening day of last season, with City inflicting a resounding 3-0 home defeat on the Baggies. The return fixture at the Etihad Stadium in April was a much tighter affair. City overcame an early West Brom goal to win 2-1.
Current Form
Both West Brom and City have both struggled in recent weeks. Neither side has registered a victory in October. Since beating West Ham on September 17th, the Baggies have drawn three successive games 1-1 and lost to Liverpool. They are currently in 13th place in the table.
Pep Guardiola’s men last tasted victory the following week, away to Swansea City. They have since lost to Tottenham, Barcelona and Manchester United in three different competitions. This was complimented by successive draws at home to Everton and Southampton.
Team News – WBA
West Brom have one player serving, and one returning from, suspension. Jonny Evans was banned for the defeat at Anfield last weekend, and is expected to start. Argentine midfielder Claudio Yacob picked up his fifth booking of the season in that game, and is suspended.
Striker Saido Berahino will still not be considered for selection against City. He has been deemed overweight by manager Tony Pulis. Venezuelan striker Salomón Rondón will be expected to lead the attack. Ireland international winger James McLean has been passed fit after suffering a gashed leg against Liverpool.
Likely Line-Up: Foster, Dawson, Evans, McAuley, Nyom, Phillips, Morrison, Fletcher, Chadli, McLean, Rondón.
Team News – Manchester City
Guardiola is still facing problems at right back. Bacary Sagna is definitely out, and Pablo Zabaleta faces a late fitness test on a foot injury. Spanish teenager Pablo Maffeo deputised in the League Cup defeat at Old Trafford, and won many admirers. If Zabaleta is unavailable, he could well feature again.
Another issue for the manager is whether to play captain Vincent Kompany. Guardiola has been trying to manage his fitness all season, and started him in the last two games. His inclusion could take John Stones out of the firing line. The England defender has faced severe criticism following several mistakes that have cost his side in recent weeks.
Kevin De Bruyne is another whose fitness is uncertain. The Belgian suffered a calf injury in the draw with Southampton last weekend. Guardiola will be hoping he is declared fit for selection. Sergio Agüero was benched for the United game, but should return upfront on Saturday.
Likely Line-up: Bravo, Maffeo, Kompany, Otamendi, Clichy, Sané, Gündogan, Fernandinho, Sterling, Silva, Agüero.
Final Thought
West Bromwich Albion, like their opponents, haven’t won in over a month. The fact that Tony Pulis signed a one year contract extension earlier this week suggests his job is safe. Despite no win in six games, Manchester City top the Premier League table on goal difference. If they want to stay there, however, Guardiola will need to return to winning ways. Several teams lie in wait to take their place if they slip up.
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