Fresh off a 2-2 European draw against Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City turn their attention back to the Premier League as West Brom visit the Etihad this weekend.
The Baggies are currently in 11th place on the standings and are vying for a mid-table finish. They have won just once in their last four league encounters, although that win did come against Manchester United.
City are recuperating from a disappointing run after beating Bournemouth last week to claim only their third victory in their last nine domestic outings. After a good showing in Paris, City look to be getting back on track, but will not find it easy against a spirited Baggies side.
Key Battle –Nicolas Otamendi vs Salomon Rondon
City have battled their fair share of criticisms this season, with many citing their defensive abilities, or lack thereof. Nicolas Otamendi will once again have to start alongside Eliaquim Mangala in the absence of Vincent Kompany and the out of form Martin Demichelis. Otamendi had a tough outing against PSG in midweek, where he evidently struggled to keep up with the Parisians’ pace, skill and power.
CrownBet match odds at time of publishing
The Argentine has not been his best since his arrival in England, but has often shown glimpses of why he is such a highly rated centre-half. While he might arguably have an easier task than marking Zlatan Ibrahimović over the weekend, there is no doubting Salomon Rondon can give any defender a nightmare. Otamendi will want to do well against the Baggies as he prepares for a tough fixture against PSG next week.
Rondon might not have lit the Premier league alive since his arrival at the start of the season, but the Venezuelan powerhouse still has a decent seven goals to his name. He has also scored at some very important times for his side in recent fixtures, netting in the draw against Leicester and in wins over Manchester United and Everton. His strength and aerial abilities will definitely cause a few problems for City’s backline and it will be interesting to see how the hosts plan to cope with the forward.
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Team News
Kompany, who has played in just 12 league games this season, is out inured along with Fabian Delph, Yaya Toure and Raheem Sterling. With a crucial Champions league tie coming up, Pellegrini is also likely to rest some of his players.
Tony Pulis will travel to Manchester without the injured Chris Brunt, Callum McManaman and James Morrison.
Head-to-head
Of the 145 games between the two sides, Manchester City have won 64 of them, while the Baggies have beaten the Citizens on 53 occasions in all competitions. The remaining 28 games have ended in draws. City have had the upper hand in recent years, winning the last eight meetings and remaining unbeaten in their last 11 games against West Brom. The last time that the Baggies managed to beat City in the league was way back in the 2008-09 season.
Previous Meeting
The sides last met on the opening day of this season, when City dispatched West Brom 3-0 at the Hawthorns.
Prediction
Even with Pellegrini likely to rest some of his key players, the side still has it in them to come away victorious. Although, they cannot afford to be complacent against an opposition that are beaten just once in their last six league games. The Baggies will be aware that City will have one eye of the Champions league tie in midweek and will look to take full advantage of that.
Manchester City 2 West Brom 1
*CrownBet match odds at time of publishing are subject to change
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