Prediction: West Bromwich Albion vs Manchester City

Verdict: Manchester City win

Best Odds: 2/7

Bookmaker: Bet365

The Premier League returns this weekend after the midweek Carabao Cup fixtures as England’s top teams return their gaze to the world’s most competitive league. With so much competition between each side, every game has become a must-win match, and Manchester City’s trip to play West Brom is no different.

West Bromwich Albion

West Brom are looking to push on this season after a number of solid campaigns has seen them remain in mid-table anonymity. Tony Pulis’ men are lauded for their powerful defence, but this season they have been undone on a number of occasions at the back. 10 goals conceded in nine games may look fairly good, but West Brom are usually even better than that at the back. Going forward they have struggled too, scoring just seven times in nine games, and the stat no Baggies’ fan will want to see is that they are the only team in the Premier League not to win any of their last five games.  Therefore, it is vital that West Brom turn around their recent slump or they will find themselves slipping further off the top and closer to the relegation zone, which is now just two points below them. Against City, they are likely to sit deep and try to soak up all of the pressure before breaking at them. This is an exceptionally dangerous game to play against Guardiola’s men as their gameplan is predicated on keeping the ball and pinning the opposition back, which would be made easier for City if Pulis opts for this gameplan. Honestly, it is a very difficult to play against Manchester City, and Pulis will need to have a masterclass if he is to get anything from the eague’s best side.

Team News

James Morrison remains on the sidelines, while Craig Dawson is out with a knee injury. Jonny Evans faces a late fitness test on a groin injury, while Gareth Barry and Hal Robson-Kanu are slight doubts with a back and muscle injury respectively.

Manchester City

What can you say about Manchester City this season? The superlatives are running out as they improve with each passing week. Pep Guardiola’s side currently find themselves top of the table with 25 points from a possible 27, five points clear of Manchester United in second-place. 32 goals scored shows their might going forward, while they have only conceded four goals this season, with their woes from last campaign a thing of the past. The likes of Gabriel Jesus, Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling are tearing teams apart with their offensive ability, but it is Kevin De Bruyne, operating in his new deeper position, that is pulling the strings and making Guardiola’s side tick. Another victory on Saturday could see City stretch their lead at the top as Manchester United and Tottenham play one another this weekend, while they will be aiming to add to the ridiculous amount of goals they have scored this season with. Expect the visitors to dominate the ball and create a lot of chances as has been the pattern in each of their last nine games.

Team News

Ilkay Gundogan is a doubt for the game, while defenders VincentKompanyy (calf) and Benjamin Mendy (ACL) remain on the sideline. While three injuries to very talented players would hurt most teams, Guardiola and his men have not been shackled by their losses, and they look superb even without the aforementioned players.

Key Factors

City can equal the Premier League record of 28 points after 10 games with a win, with the last two sides to achieve this (Chelsea and Manchester City) both going on to win the title.

32 strikes is the second highest amount of goals for a team at this stage, with City themselves bettering it with 33 goals in nine games in the 2011/12 season.

Leroy Sane has scored five goals and registered four assists in his last six games.

West Brom have just two wins in their last 18 top flight fixtures (drawn 6, lost 10).

Tony Pulis has won one of his 17 matches against Manchester City (drawn 4, lost 12), with the last win coming back in 2009.

Conclusion

West Brom will put up a good fight as they always do with Pulis looking to suffocate City with layers of defenders. However, if any team can break down the most resolute of defences it is Guardiola’s side. Their blend of exceptional on the ball skill, incisive passing and clinical finishing have blown away some outstanding teams this season and, if Kevin De Bruyne is on song, then West Brom will really struggle.

Verdict: Manchester City win

Best Odds: 2/7

Bookmaker: Bet365