If Manchester City are to avoid falling down the Premier League table this weekend then they must beat West Bromwich Albion at home on Saturday.
City have went off the rails in recent weeks and where they were looking to win games to catch up with Chelsea, now they have to win just to prevent teams like Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool moving ahead of them. Their defeat to Burnley last weekend coupled with their loss at Barcelona during the week has left morale low at the Etihad. The game against West Brom is vitally important for City.
West Brom were battling relegation earlier in the season but since joining the club as manager, Tony Pulis has helped the team change their fortunes and while they are not completely out of the woods, their chances of Premier League survival certainly look a lot healthier. However, their away form has been woeful. On current form, the game against City could be their best chance of improving their away form. At the same time however, it could be like going up against a wounded animal.
Both sides will have to put in their best performance if they are to improve their league positions.
Team News
Manuel Pellegrini has no injury concerns going into this game and has a full squad of players to choose from. However, after successive losses it will be interesting to see what changes he may make to the side in order to improve their level of performance.
Victor Anichebe is still likely to be unavailable for West Brom although there is a small chance he could be fit to play this weekend. Ben Foster is out for the next four weeks with a knee injury, while Callum McManaman and Brown Ideye are unavailable for the next few weeks at least.
Interesting Statistics
Manchester City have won their last six matches against West Brom.
Despite their recent poor form, City have won their last two home matches.
City have already defeated West Brom 3-1 this season.
West Brom have not won any of their last nine matches away from home.
The last six games between the sides have produced 21 goals.
Key Players
Manchester City – Sergio Aguero
Aguero has been at the forefront of City’s league title bid again this season. Playing in 24 league games, the Argentine has contributed 17 goals to City’s campaign and according to Squawka.com, he has created 24 chances for his team mates that have resulted in six assists. Unsurprisingly, Aguero has a 53% success rate when taking on opponents, successfully doing so on 61 of 103 occasions he has attempted this. Indicative of just how threatening the striker is to opposition defences, Aguero has drawn 20 fouls this season so far while he has committed just nine. The statistics suggest that City enjoy playing against West Brom so if there are a number of goals in the game this weekend, you can be sure Aguero will be part of that.
West Bromwich Albion – Saido Berahino
While West Brom have not had a good time of it this season, Berahino has been a shining light for them. The 21-year-old has played in all 29 of their games and in this time, he has scored 12 goals. According to Squawka.com, he has created 22 chances for his team mates although unlike his City counterpart, none of these have resulted in assists. Berahino has completed 512 passes in the league this season, meaning he has a passing accuracy of 84%. Like Aguero, he has been reasonably successful when taking on opponents, winning just over half of his attempts. Berahino is good on the ball but he has made one mistake in possession this season that has led to an attempt on goal. City’s defence has not been at its best recently and so you can be sure that Berahino will be looking to exploit that this weekend.
Prediction
Manchester City have to win this weekend if they are to hold on to second place. Pellegrini is under pressure after their Champions League exit and will be desperate to show the owners that he is still the right man for the job. West Brom don’t often fare well against City and I can see that continuing this weekend. I believe City will win the game 2-0.
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