After failing to advance in the Champions League, Manchester City return to Etihad Stadium for their local Premier League action. While City have struggled with their form as of late, their opponents West Brom are in no such ordeal. Will West Brom pile even more misery on Man City? Read on as we break down this upcoming clash.
For more on exciting Premier League matchups, check out our complete previews for Liverpool vs. Manchester United and Newcastle vs. Arsenal.
[sc:Soccer ]Manchester City vs. West Bromwich Albion Preview
Where: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
When: Saturday, March 21, 8:45 AM ET
Line: West Bromwich Albion +850 at Manchester City -440, tie +425; total 3.0 – view all EPL lines
What’s at Stake
[sc:Soccer240banner ]The full three points keeps Manchester City in the hunt for the Premier League crown with Chelsea just six points ahead. It’ll also fend off a red-hot Arsenal side which has slowly climbed their way up one point behind City. Meanwhile, a win or draw should give West Brom a cushion to stay clear off the relegation zone.
Betting on Manchester City
The defending champions are vulnerable. Manchester City have lost four of their last five games across all competitions, including back-to-back matches heading into this fixture. Just four days after suffering a 1-0 defeat against relegation-threatened Burnley, Man City was handily dispatched 1-0 in a Champions League matchup against Spanish club Barcelona.
Joe Hart was especially brilliant in that loss. He made seven superb saves as he repeatedly denied Barca’s star strikers Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar. Expect Hart to be on point in City’s return to Etihad Stadium, especially against a side they’ve been dominant against. Man City has won their last six matchups against West Brom, outscoring their opponents 16-5.
City was clinical in their first matchup against West Brom this season, a 3-1 away win in December 2014. David Silva was the star of the show, netting City’s third goal from a Jesus Navas assist. Fernando opened the scoring with a seventh minute goal, while Yaya Toure added his contribution netting a penalty in the 12th minute.
Man City should be even more dangerous this time around with Sergio Aguero back in the lineup. He missed the first matchup between the two clubs, and should be able terrorize the opposing defense this time around. Aguero is second in the league with 17 goals this season.
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Betting on West Bromwich Albion
Circumstances aren’t in West Brom’s favor heading into this matchup against the defending league champions. The Baggies will lose goalkeeper Ben Foster after damaging his knee in a victory over Stoke on Saturday. They’ll also lose midfielder Chris Brunt for a tunnel confrontation with a referee after West Brom’s derby clash against Aston Villa.
Brunt has been an instrumental playmaker for West Brom with a team-high five assists. With the Baggies shorthanded ahead of this matchup, expect them to come up with a conservative game plan. West Brom have drawn four of their last five league games, allowing five goals over that span.
But if an opportunity to go on the counterattack presents itself, expect Saido Berahino to be West Brom’s main man on the attack. He leads the team with 12 league goals this season. He has three goals in his last five appearances in the Premier League.
West Brom are 3-1-2 in their last six Premier League matches.
Writer’s Prediction
Man City take this match, 3-0. Take Manchester City at -1.5 for more value on your bet.
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