City go into today’s game against West Brom knowing that a win is crucial if they want to keep hot on the heels of the top two and just as importantly, keep a barrier of points from them and the fifth place team. City haven’t had a good run of results recently with two points thrown away at St Andrews on Wednesday and struggling in the FA Cup a week ago. In fact this will be the third league game against a Midlands team in a row, and so far a disappointing solitary point is all we have to show for it.
City have played West Brom twice so far this season. First they knocked us out of the Carling Cup on their ground in September 2-1 but our league fixture away to them gave us the three points we were looking for, and will be looking for again tomorrow.
City’s last game at home to WBA was in April 09 and saw a City side roll over the Baggies 4-2 but that was the only time we have beaten them while at Eastlands.
Looking at the team news obviously Balotelli and Johnson remain sidelined for knee and ankle injuries respectively. They are joined by Micah Richards who, as you know decided to see just how hard Nigel De Jongs head was during the recent game against Birmingham. Nigel himself is doubtful due to an ankle injury which saw him subbed off at half time. Both the Toure brothers could return to the line up which will certainly be a boost. City have shipped seven goals in their last three league games which alarmingly counts for almost a third of the total goals conceded all season. Mancini will be looking to tighten up the defense which looks very nervous at every kind of set piece that comes their way.
Interesting points going into the game is that City, despite having only that one win against West Brom at Eastlands have never lost to them at the City of Manchester Stadium and with a win today we will complete our first double over West Brom since the 1999/00 season, which obviously came in the second tier.
Edin Dzeko will score today. He must! It took him four games in the Bundesliga before he got off the mark and this will be his fourth attempt for City. If he does then get excited as after that he went on to score 66 in the next 108 league games! One last downside….Martin Atkinson is referee!
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