Premier League leaders Manchester City must be wary on Wednesday night as they face a West Brom side who have shown they’re capable of delivering a shock.
Manchester City
For the Premier League’s current runaway leaders, Pep Guardiola’s free-flying Manchester City side once again produced another professional performance as they secured their spot in the fifth-round of the FA Cup after beating Championship promotion hopefuls Cardiff City. Currently on a three-match winning run since their first Premier League defeat against Liverpool earlier this month, City’s dominant form has seen them move 12 points clear of Manchester United who sit in second. For Guardiola’s Citizens, the blue half of Manchester have won a huge 21 of their 24 games so far this season, scoring 70 goals in the process.
Team News
Gabriel Jesus remains sidelined for Guardiola’s men, whilst Leroy Sane is out for an extended period after suffering ligament damage in City’s FA Cup win on Sunday.
West Brom
As for the Baggies, although West Brom may still firmly be at the heart of a relegation battle, Alan Pardew’s side are enjoying a fine run of form. With the announcement that England international Daniel Sturridge will be joining on loan from Liverpool, the Midlands side will fancy their chances of climbing out of the drop zone. Currently sat in 19th, the Baggies remain three points adrift of Stoke in 17th. Unbeaten in their last four matches in all competitions, West Brom will make the trip to the Etihad with their confidence at an all-time high, over the weekend, Pardew’s side pulled off an impressive 3-2 win away at Liverpool in the FA Cup fourth-round.
Team News
Kieran Gibbs and Hal Robson-Kanu limped off against Liverpool at the weekend and both men face a race to be fit.
Daniel Sturridge, who moved to the Baggies on loan from Anfield on Monday, is eligible to make his debut.
Key Factors to Consider
- Manchester City have won 15 of their last 16 Premier League encounters with West Brom (D1), including winning the last 12 in a row.
- Indeed, City’s winning run of 12 games is their joint-longest streak against a team in their league history (level with Newcastle).
- If West Brom lose this fixture it will be their longest ever losing run against a team in their league history (also 12 vs Chelsea and Liverpool).
- Man City have won their last 10 home games in all competitions, their longest run since a run of 13 in January 2014.
- The Citizens have scored at least twice in each of their last 11 Premier League home games; it’s their longest such run in the competition, and longest in the division since Liverpool’s record of 14 in April 2014.
Conclusion
Although West Brom have recently enjoyed a recent turn in their form, we do expect that the Baggies will face a stern test on Wednesday night. The hosts have scored at least three goals in nine of these last 13 meetings and forward Sergio Aguero will fancy his chances of increasing his recent goal tally, the Argentinian forward has now scored eight goals in his last seven matches.
Verdict: Manchester City and both teams to score
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