Predicted West Bromwich Albion Line-up To Face Manchester City In The Premier League
West Bromwich Albion will play hosts to Premier League leaders Manchester City in gameweek 10, at the Hawthorns, this Saturday.
The Baggies, who are currently placed 13th in the league standings, are currently on an 8-match winless streak and manager Tony Pulis has had drawn some ire from the fans regarding the performances of the team. Last week, they were handed a 1-0 defeat by Southampton and it is not going to be an easy task to bounce back against the Citizens, who have been in rampant form. The two sides have already clashed once this term, in the third round of the Carabao Cup, when City beat West Brom 2-1.
Team News
There is some positive news for the Baggies, with summer signings Gareth Barry and Oliver Burke expected to return to the squad ahead of Saturday’s encounter, along with striker Hal Robson-Kanu. However, defenders Jonny Evans (groin) and Craig Dawson (knee) are expected to miss out, along with midfielder James Morrison, who is struggling with an Achilles problem.
Here’s how West Brom might line up against Pep Guardiola’s City side:
Manager: Tony Pulis
Formation: 4-5-1
Ben Foster (GK)
In goal, we expect the former Manchester United man Ben Foster to continue against the Citizens this weekend.
Allan Nyom (RB)
With Craig Dawson unlikely to feature, the right-back slot should be taken up by Allan Nyom. Will have a hard test against the threat of Leroy Sane.
Gareth McAuley (CB)
In the heart of the defence, veteran defender Gareth McAuley is expected to feature from the get-go, in Jonny Evans’ absence.
Ahmed Hegazy (CB)
McAuley could be partnered by Egyptian defender Ahmed Hegazy, who has been fairly impressive so far in his loan spell at the Hawthorns.
Kieran Gibbs (LB)
At left-back, summer signing Kieran Gibbs is expected to take the field against a dangerous City attack.
Matt Phillips (RM)
The Scottish winger did not start last weekend against Southampton, but may find himself as a part of the starting XI on Saturday.
Grzegorz Krychowiak (CM)
The loan signing from PSG possesses immense quality and without a doubt, he will feature as part of the midfield trio for the Baggies.
Gareth Barry (CM)
The player with most number of Premier League appearances, Gareth Barry, is expected to shake off a back problem and start in the holding role, against his former club.
Jake Livermore (CM)
Occupying the third central midfield spot for the home side should be Jake Livermore, who is set to make his eighth Premier League start of the season.
Chris Brunt (LM)
On the left flank, we might see a change, with Nacer Chadli moving out to make way for a more hard-working player in the form of Chris Brunt.
Jay Rodriguez (ST)
The former Southampton man was extremely wasteful against his former side last weekend. Needs to be more clinical and should take his chances, if they come his way, against the mighty Manchester City.