The Dugout Discussion – Man City vs West Brom

Manchester City’s title hopes hang by a thread as they entertain West Bromwich Albion at the Etihad in the opening match of Gameweek 30. The Sky Blues have only recorded three wins in their previous nine league outings, while the Baggies have tasted defeated just twice in the last 10.

With just three goals in eight starts, Sergio Aguero has belied his 13.0 price tag of late. Notwithstanding the Argentine striker’s recent paucity of attacking returns, his 29% ownership will be buoyed by the fact City have scored seven goals without reply in their last two home ties. David Silva has struck three times in four and will need to step up once again, with the champions deprived of the injured Yaya Toure.

Manuel Pellegrini seeks top pep up City’s goal power by handing starts to both Frank Lampard and Wilfried Bony. Eliaquim Mangala also earns a recall at the back having been benched at Burnley, as Martín Demichelis makes way.

Six clean sheets in the last nine for West Brom is testament to the tactical discipline Tony Pulis has imparted to his players. Nonetheless, the Midlanders have struggled for three points away from the Hawthorns, with their last road victory arriving against bottom-placed Leicester City in Gameweek 10. Ben Foster’s absence due to a knee injury is a huge blow for West Brom, presenting the Baggies’ rearguard with their biggest test this year.

Pulls makes three changes – all of them enforced. Brown Ideye joins Foster on the treatment table, while Chris Brunt serves out a suspension. The Baggies boss recalls Jonas Olsson to his back four, presumably shifting Joleon Lescott to left-back, whilst Chris Baird earns a start as Pulis bolsters his midfield in front of lone striker, Saido Berahino.