Manchester City vs. West Brom: Team News, Live Stream, TV Info, Ticket News
It’s been a good week for Manchester City. Last Saturday, they defeated Bournemouth 4-0, with a superb attacking display that overwhelmed Eddie Howe’s side, before their 2-2 draw against Paris Saint-Germain in the French capital on Wednesday, a result that gave them a superb platform to make it through to the UEFA Champions League semi-final.
On Saturday, they return to the Etihad Stadium for a game against West Bromwich Albion. With City fourth in the Premier League table, one point above Manchester United, this is a vital game in their quest to ensure a top-four finish.
Tony Pulis’ side are likely to sit deep and try to frustrate City, playing far more direct than either of their two previous opponents. Sides who adopt those kind of tactics have fared well against City this season—and Manuel Pellegrini needs to warn his players that it may take time for them to break down the Baggies’ stubborn resistance.
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If City do win, they will register back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time since October.
Kevin De Bruyne’s return from injury appears to have galvanised City, but Pellegrini says it’s no surprise.
"That was what I expected from Kevin when I signed him," he said. "He was a very important player before his injury, and unfortunately for us in the last minute against Everton, he had that injury but he returned with quality.
"He will always be a very important player for us.
"He deserves to return in the same way he finished before his injury."
"We've scored some belters at home against the Baggies in recent years! Your fave strike is? ⚽️ #cityvwba #mcfc https://t.co/Nt0K3XZ8WU
— Manchester City FC (@MCFC) April 8, 2016"
Date: Saturday, 9 April
Kick-off: 5.30 p.m. BST/12.30 p.m. ET
TV Listings: Sky Sports 1 (UK) &
Live Stream: n/a
Form Guide
Manchester City
Paris Saint-Germain 2-2 Manchester City (Champions League)
Bournemouth 0-4 Manchester City
Manchester City 0-1 Manchester United
Manchester City 0-0 Dynamo Kiev (Champions League)
Norwich City 0-0 Manchester City
"A very important game Tomorrow ! A new battle has to be won !#MCFC #NeverGiveUp pic.twitter.com/x2nkKflbYR
— Eliaquim Mangala (@Elia22Mangala) April 8, 2016"
West Bromwich Albion
Sunderland 0-0 West Brom
West Brom 0-1 Norwich City
West Brom 1-0 Manchester United
Leicester 2-2 West Brom
West Brom 3-2 Crystal Palace
"ALBION ARCHIVE: The Baggies claim a 3-1 win over @MCFC at Maine Road in 1980, Peter Barnes netting a brace #WBAhttps://t.co/Auqx2fvfFJ
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBAFCofficial) April 8, 2016"
Predicted Formations
Manchester City
City welcome back Yaya Toure from a knee injury, and Samir Nasri is expected to start his first game in seven months. Vincent Kompany, David Silva and Raheem Sterling are all out.
Manchester City (from): Caballero, Hart, Wright, Clichy, Demichelis, Kolarov, Mangala, Otamendi, Sagna, Zabaleta, De Bruyne, Delph, Fernandinho, Fernando, Nasri, Navas, Silva, Toure, A. Garcia, M. Garcia, Aguero, Bony, Iheanacho, Celina.
Predicted XI: Hart; Zabaleta, Otamendi, Mangala, Clichy; Fernando, Fernandinho; Navas, De Bruyne, Nasri; Aguero.
"Friday's session at the CFA gettng under way... Bring on the Baggies! #cityvwba #CMONCITY #mcfc pic.twitter.com/gXrZB8m5sN
— Manchester City FC (@MCFC) April 8, 2016"
West Bromwich Albion
Winger Callum McManaman is available again after suffering ankle ligament damage.
"This is a very well-run football club," Pulis said, having reached 40 points with the draw against Sunderland last weekend. "We have everything in place. We are delighted to have 40 points. It was vital.
"We are now playing a wonderful team who have tremendous talent. Man City can beat anyone in the world."
West Bromwich Albion (from): Foster, Myhill, Rose, Chester, Dawson, Evans, Gamboa, McAuley, O'Neil, Olsson, Pocognoli, Fletcher, Gardner, McClean, McManaman, Morrison, Pritchard, Sandro, Sessegnon, Yacob, Anichebe, Berahino, Lambert, Rondon.
Predicted XI: Foster; Dawson, Evans, Olsson, Chester; Sessegnon, Yacob, Fletcher, McClean; Rondon, Berahino.
"PRESS CONFERENCE: Tony Pulis previews tomorrow's @premierleague trip to @MCFC #WBAhttps://t.co/lb6HDj0hAU
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBAFCofficial) April 8, 2016"
Players To Watch
Manchester City: Kevin De Bruyne
The return of De Bruyne has been special. Just over two months out with a knee injury doesn't appear to have affected his form. He's come back in fine shape and has set about inspiring City in much the same way he was doing before his setback.
He brings an assuredness to City's attack, offering superb passing and vision, as well as quality in front of goal.
He's a complete attacking player.
West Bromwich Albion: Salomon Rondon
West Brom's powerful striker, Salomon Rondon, provides a real threat for Pulis' side.
He's incredibly strong, capable of holding defenders off with ease, and he has a decent turn of pace. Aerially, there are few holes in his game.
He has nine goals in all competitions and would have expected more. However, for a player in his first season in the Premier League, he's done well. He and Saido Berahino have the makings of a decent pairing.
Key Battle
Sergio Aguero vs. Jonny Evans
The pace and finishing ability of Sergio Aguero make him so difficult to stop—and former Manchester United defender Jonny Evans will no doubt have a difficult evening.
Evans, 28, is a superb reader of the game. He anticipates danger well, is a fine tackler and likes to pass out from the back. He was a smart signing for West Brom.
But Aguero is lethal. He has 22 goals in 34 games this season and looks sharp right now.
Ticket Information
For ticket information on all Premier League games, visit the official site or go to the ticket page on the home club's official website.
Odds
Manchester City: -345
West Bromwich Albion: +864
Draw: +421
Rob Pollard is Bleacher Report's lead Manchester City correspondent and will be following the club from a Manchester base throughout the 2015/16 season. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter @RobPollard.
