West Brom v MAN CITY: The PREVIEW – City’s Probable Team

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Following on from the victories at home to Arsenal and Stoke, this is another chance for Manchester City to continue to provide seasonal cheer. Top of the table at Christmas and looking superb in the process, Roberto Mancini and the players have made sure that it is a hugely enjoyable festive period and three more points at the Hawthorns would be a lovely present.

West Brom come into this game on the back of a thrilling win against Newcastle, though they have been defeated in all five of their Premier League matches of Boxing Day. City have won the previous three meetings between the teams so the omens are positive, although we will have to remain focused and avoid complacency.

With regards to team selection, Micah Richards and Edin Dzeko are both likely to have recovered in time though I doubt Mancini will risk them with such important games on the horizon. Pablo Zabaleta therefore might come into the side, whilst Kolo Touré is competing with Joleon Lescott to partner Vincent Kompany.

James Milner and Nigel De Jong have both sat out the past few games and will be hoping to get the nod, whilst Adam Johnson is likely to remain in the side after his superb goal against Stoke. In this fixture last season, Mario Balotelli scored twice to win the game for City and then received a red card, and he’s another pushing for a place.

Here is the side Mancini could select:

For the home side, they will be hoping that James Morrison can recover from injury as his propensity for eye-catching long-range goals could cause us problems. Much of  West Brom’s hopes rest on the shoulders of attacking duo Shane Long and Peter Odemwingie, whose pace and finishing ability have troubled many a defence in the past. In midfield, Chris Brunt tries to pull the strings though he will face a tough battle to control the centre against the likes of Gareth Barry and Yaya Touré.

Referee: Lee Mason – This will be the first time he has officiated us this season.

Prediction: West Brom 1 – 3 MAN CITY – It could be quite an open game and that would suit City. Goals to be scored by Peter Odemwingie, Sergio Aguero, Mario Balotelli and David Silva.

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