Pep Guardiola is enduring his wort run as a manager after the recent spell at Manchester City. The Spaniard has failed to win his last 3 Premier League matches. The other two losses include a humiliating one at the hands of Barcelona, his former club and the most recent EFL cup defeat in the Manchester derby.
While it was clearly understood that Guardiola did not take the cup seriously, a derby defeat always affects the morale of the team and the fans will hope their team does not let their performance dip further in the league when they take on West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns.
West Brom will have a point to prove after their organised defence leaked easily against Liverpool. However, the Baggies have lost their last 9 games against City previously and City remain unbeaten in their last 13 Premier league games against the Baggies.
Defence
City captain Vincent Kompany started in a disappointing 1-0 loss to Manchester United in the midweek but Guardiola is not expected to start the Belgian in the Premier League. He favours Stones in that centre back position and is expected to start with the Englishman. Stones would hope to avoid catastrophic defending that he did last game which led to the conceding of the opening goal against Southampton.
Nicolas Otamendi is expected to pair up with Stones in the centre with Gael Clichy and Pablo Zabaleta playing as the full-backs. The manager rested both of them in the midweek match. City’s defence have heavily let Guardiola down in the last few games and he’ll hope to overcome that problem.
Midfield
With star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne out with a calf injury, Guardiola will have to decide whom he needs to play in the midfield. The Belgian was one of the most influential players in the team. Apart from that City will also be without Fabian Delph.
Guardiola played young Alex Garcia in the midfield in the midweek but he had a match to forget. However, City still have talents like Ilkay Gundogan who will start in the central midfield with Fernandinho.
Attack
Silva has scored 4 goals and 3 assists against the Baggies till date and Guardiola would want him to repeat his performance when the Spaniard is given an attacking role. With De Bruyne injured, Guardiola is expected Silva to play the number 10 role behind the striker.
Raheem Sterling will be taking his place in the wings with Nolito although the Spaniard hasn’t been much of a success in the attacking third. With Jesus Navas and Sane at Guardiola’s disposal, Nolito’s days could be numbered if he doesn’t bring more consistency to his game.
Aguero has scored 5 times against the Baggies and is expected to start after being rested for the midweek Manchester Derby.
