Paul Gilham
Manchester City face a tough test as they travel to the Hawthorns to take on high-flying West Brom.
Manchester City face a tough test as the Premier League resumes when they head to the Hawthorns to take on West Brom.
The Baggies have enjoyed a great start to life under new boss Steve Clarke, and have won their first four home games of the season - the first time they have achieved such a feat since 1919 - and sit an impressive sixth in the Premier League table, just a single point behind the Citizens.
Roberto Mancini will know, then, that he has a tough game ahead of him, and will want to avoid falling behind at such an early stage of the season. He may take heart from the record between the two clubs, which overwhelmingly favours his own side, with West Brom having failed to score in their last four games against the Blues.
Overall, it should be a tight encounter. If City can emerge victorious, they can show that they have the capability to overcome most hurdles they will face over the course of the season. If West Brom pick up the points, then they may begin to look like genuine contenders for the Europa League at least, a remarkable achievement for Clarke.
West Bromwich Albion injuries and suspensions
Out: Steven Reid (hamstring), Billy Jones (knee), Boaz Myhill (thumb), Chris Brunt (hamstring), Jerome Thomas. Doubtful: Romelu Lukaku (ankle), Youssef Mulumbu.
Manchester City injuries and suspensions
Out: David Silva (hamstring), Javi Garcia (thigh), Maicon (foot), Jack Rodwell (hamstring)
The international break was not kind to either of these two sides, with Silva, Rodwell and Mulumbu all getting injured whilst playing for their national sides. Both teams have also had players that were injured in the previous round of fixtures fail to return in time, including Maicon, Javi Garcia and Chris Brunt. Romelu Lukaku, though not 100% certain to be ready, is more likely to be available than not for the Baggies.
Match Date/Time: 3 p.m. local, 10 a.m. ET
Venue: The Hawthorns, West Bromwich, England
TV: Fox Soccer Plus (U.S.) Sportsnet World (Canada)
Online: Fox Soccer 2Go (U.S.)
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