Premier League preview: West Brom v Manchester City

The fitness of Romelu Lukaku could make or break West Bromwich Albion’s chances when they host Manchester City in the English Premier League.

West Brom have been one of the surprises of the opening couple of months of the Premier League season, having won four and drawn two in the first seven rounds to sit sixth, equal on points with the two teams directly above them, Everton and Tottenham.

Steve Clarke, in his maiden full-time senior coaching job, has set up West Brom very solidly and only three teams have conceded fewer goals so far than the Midlands club.

But at the other end of the pitch, West Brom are only narrowly in the top half of the Premier League having hit the back of the net just 11 times.

Lukaku, who is on loan from Chelsea, has scored two of West Brom’s goals this season but could miss Sunday’s home game against the reigning champions as he continues to battle an ankle injury.

However, Clarke believes the powerful 19-year-old Belgian striker might be fit to play having been rested over the international break.

“He’s had a pain in his ankle for a few weeks,” Clarke told the club’s website this week.

“He felt it again when he came off the bench against QPR and didn’t feel it was right to go (and play for Belgium).

“He went across and got it assessed by the Belgium doctor and got sent back.

“It’s not a big problem but it’s one we’re mindful we don’t want to become a big problem.”

Irish striker Shane Long, plus midfielders James Morrison and Zoltan Gera, have also scored twice in the league so far this season.

Manchester City, who are third in the Premier League, just one point ahead of West Brom, should provide a sterner test for the home side than they have faced this campaign.

Clarke’s men have beaten Everton and drawn with Tottenham but have lost to Fulham, while Liverpool also knocked off West Brom in the League Cup.

Manchester City remain undefeated in the Premier League this season and have won their past two games 3-0 against Sunderland and 2-1 away to Fulham.

Sergio Aguero scored in both those victories and also hit the back of the net in one of Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers during the international week.

The tiny Argentine forward could be the key if the reigning champions are to win at The Hawthorns.