Manchester City travel to the Midlands to face West Brom desperate to keep their noses ahead of rivals United at the top of the Premier League table.
They’ll be in for one of their tougher fixtures of the season against Roy Hodgson’s side who will be full of confidence after two successive wins on the road. The Baggies have soared up into the top half table on the back of those two victories and now sit seven points clear of the relegation zone. A mixed start to the season left Hodgson and his players facing a battle to pull themselves away from danger but after beating struggling Blackburn at Ewood Park last Saturday they emerged victorious from their trip to Newcastle four days later to fly into 10th. That win on Tyneside was arguably their finest performance of the campaign as they tore the Magpies apart on their own patch. Shane Long and Peter Odemwingie were the stars of the shower as they terrorised the Newcastle back four with their pace and movement with Odemwingie scoring for the second successive game. Those two will need to be on top form if Albion are to end 2011 on a high against the champions elect.
City have been simply delicious this year and will be hoping to end it in style starting with victory over West Brom to keep themselves ahead in the title race. Roberto Mancini delivered the FA Cup and Champions League football in 2011 but holding the Premier League title aloft in 2012 is the Italians primary objective. Their lead over fierce rivals United has been cut to just two points over the last month or so and maintaining that advantage will be tough going into the New Year. Defeat to Chelsea looked like it could possibly derail their challenge for the title but wins and clean sheets against Arsenal and Stoke in the space of four days has put them back on track. With a squad possessing players like Sergio Agüero and David Silva it’s inconceivable that City could throw away their chance at claiming Premier League glory. They’ll begin the second phase of their mission at the Hawthorns and will be confident of providing the Citizens faithful with a late Christmas present in the Midlands.
West Brom 10th : 21 points
Team news: Albion will be without key players Youssuf Mulumbu and Steven Reid after both picked up injuries at Newcastle on Wednesday. James Morison could return after missing the trip to Tyneside.
Key Player: Shane Long
What a season it’s been for Albion’s record signing so far with his performance against Newcastle arguably his best since he joined the club. Long’s pace and movement made him unplayable and he’ll be eager to pit his wits against City’s world class back four.
Manchester City 1st : 44 points
Team news: City are still without Micah Richards and Edin Dzeko but have no other injuries to report.
Key Player: Sergio Agüero
The Argentinean has been in stunning form since his big money summer move and with 16 goals to his name already he is already a shoe in for the Golden Boot. Will be expected to provide more goals in 2012 to ensure his debut season in England ends in success.
PREDICTION
West Brom will be full of confidence after consecutive wins but come up against a City side who are desperate to keep their place on top of the league. Roberto Mancini’s side should have more than enough to see off Albion at the Hawthorns.
Score: 0-3
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