Manchester City v West Bromwich Albion
Date: 31/01/18
K.O: 20:00pm
Venue: The Etihad
In form winger Leroy Sane will miss the visit of West Brom after damaging ankle ligaments in his side’s FA Cup win over Cardiff. Bernardo Silva will retain his place after impressing against the Bluebirds, while Sergio Aguero will return.
Aymeric Laporte’s confirmation as City’s club-record signing yesterday means the central defender is in contention to start, whilst John Stones may replace Vincent Kompany in defence as Pep Guardiola looks to ease him back to full fitness after a series of lay-offs.
Alan Pardew will keep most of his side who shocked Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday. Kieran Gibbs and Hal Robson-Kanu were forced off in the first half and look set to be replaced by Ahmed Hegazi and Salomon Rondon.
The Baggies look likely to set up in the same formation for the second time in a week as they seek to contain another powerful attacking outfit, but they may include Daniel Sturridge after his loan from Liverpool was confirmed earlier in the week.
Pep Guardiola said this week that City cannot afford 22 top players, a total he says is a minimum to challenge for four trophies. His first 11 remains almost full strength, but the depth of his squad is being challenged as injuries stack up.
Leroy Sane joins Benjamin Mendy, Phil Foden, Gabriel Jesus and Fabian Delph on the sidelines, though Aymeric Laporte is set to bolster their defensive options particularly given he is eligible to play in the Champions League.
Embed from Getty ImagesDespite Saturday’s memorable victory over Liverpool, West Brom remain 19th in the Premier League and know that time is running out to get the points they need.
There are few harder fixtures remaining than this, but following the resilient win at Anfield Baggies fans will be quietly optimistic that their team can frustrate another Premier League big boy.
Prediction: Manchester City 2 West Bromwich Albion 1
Written by Sam Hanys.
