West Bromwich Albion host a jubilant Manchester City Side in the third round of the Carabao Cup. The Baggies have had mixed fortunes so far in the season as they have registered two wins in their first five matches.
Pep Guardiola’s side come into this match on the back of their brilliant attacking performance against Watford while the Baggies had to be satisfied with a solitary point against a stringent West Ham United.
City thumped Watford 6-0 but at the Hawthorns, we could expect a much different game. Tony Pulis’ side is known for their tight defensive setup and Guardiola will find it difficult to pick up a gap in their backline.
Winless in the last three matches, Pulis would be hoping for a good performance against the potential title contenders, which could trigger their potential. The Baggies have one of the most compact squads so we might see minimal changes to the side.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 West Bromwich Lineup Against Manchester City
Defence
Boaz Myhill will start on goal. He is likely to replace Ben Foster as the latter deserves a much-needed rest. Ahmed Hegazi has been pretty commanding in the central defence and he has been a regular in the setup. He will continue in the starting lineup.
Garth McAuley will be eager to get few minutes as he is eyeing a return to the first team. Craig Dawson will try to support the team from the right side of the defence. Allan Nyom will replace Kieran Gibbs on the left side of the defence.
Midfield
Pulis is unlikely to change his midfield setup and will go for the double pivot in the centre of the pitch to ensure his backline has an extra layer of protection. Grzegorz Krychowiak will keep his position in the midfield alongside Claudio Yacob.
The midfield pair needs to be solid in their defensive work rate. Last season teams found it difficult to get past the resolute Baggies defence and they will provide a stern test to the City attacking lineup.
Attack
Matty Phillips will keep his engine running from the left flank while youngster Olivier Burke will have a chance to get back to business right away. He injured his hamstring but is expected to be fit before the match.
James Morrison will operate from the no. 10 position.
Hal Robson-Kanu got some minutes in the last match as he returned after serving his suspension. He is set to start in this match.
