Manchester City will lock horns with West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns on Tuesday night looking to pick up another three points in the Premier League. Pep Guardiola’s men are playing some of the best football of their campaign at the moment, so they will go into this game as the heavy favourites to secure a win at the West Midlands.
The Mancunian outfit will set themselves up in a 4-3-3 formation with Guardiola expected to name his strongest team for this contest on the road. Raheem Sterling was not used versus Cheltenham Town last Saturday, so he will be fresh for this game in midweek.
4-3-3 Manchester City Predicted Lineup To Face West Brom
Defence
Ederson will return to play in between the sticks for Man City having secured a clean sheet against Aston Villa in his last league start. Kyle Walker is a significant concern ahead of this game but should feature as the right-back if he can recover in time for this clash. Joao Cancelo would feature on the other flank at left-back as he focuses on producing a productive display in midweek.
John Stones and Ruben Dias will function as the centre-backs for Man City. Guardiola will instruct them to maintain a solid shape in defence and keep the Baggies attackers frustrated during the game. Benjamin Mendy and Eric Garcia will make up the numbers on the bench as they offer cover for the defensive positions.
Midfield
Guardiola’s midfield will be comprised of Ilkay Gundogan, Rodri and Bernardo Silva as the hard-working trio try to dominate possession in the hopes of engineering a few clear-cut chances for the front players.
Kevin de Bruyne will be out of action for several weeks because of a muscle injury. However, Fernandinho will be available on the bench as he awaits his chance to influence the game in the second half if required.
Attack
Phil Foden could be a nailed-on starter on the left flank following his goal-scoring display in the FA Cup last Saturday. Raheem Sterling is expected to return to operate as the right-sided wide player while Gabriel Jesus is once again expected to lead the charge for Man City down the middle.
Riyad Mahrez and Ferran Torres will have to be content with a place on the bench but could come on to make an impact in the latter stages if needed.
