Manchester City’s shock defeat to struggling Burnley last weekend further upped the pressure on manager Manuel Pellegrini, as they fell six points and a game behind league leaders Chelsea. They’ll be looking to bounce back at home to West Bromwich Albion this weekend, though the Baggies’ mini revival under new manager Tony Pulis means it will be another difficult fixture for City.
Manchester City vs. West Brom live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Manchester City will look to bounce back from last weekend’s stunning defeat with a win over West Brom on Saturday.
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West Brom sacked previous manager Alan Irvine a few months ago with the team down in the relegation battle. Since Pulis has arrived, they’ve had a great upturn in form, and find themselves eight points clear of danger with just nine games of the campaign to go. After pulling Crystal Palace to a remarkable survival last season, Pulis is once again proving to be an incredibly safe pair of hands.
Key player - Yaya Touré (Manchester City)
Manchester City’s reliance on Yaya Touré has reached the stage where it is rather alarming. Pellegrini’s insistence on playing a 4-4-2 (one of the central midfielders usually being the rather one-dimensional Fernando) means Touré is pretty much responsible for all of City’s chance creation through the centre of the pitch. Not only that, but he has a big defensive task too. He needs to be on the ball again in this match.
Key matchup - Brown Ideye vs. the City defence
If there’s one thing we can expect from a Pulis team, it’s long balls and crosses. And the man who’ll be looking to get on the end of them is resurgent striker Brown Ideye. The Nigerian had a terrible start to English life after making the move from Dynamo Kyiv in the summer, though he’s scored five in his last eight in all competitions, and is looking at present an integral part of Pulis’ blueprint.
Manchester City injuries and suspensions
Out: None. In doubt: None.
West Bromwich Albion injuries and suspensions
Out: Ben Foster (knee), Claudio Yacob, Chris Brunt (suspended). In doubt: Brown Ideye (knee), Victor Anichebe (groin), Callum McManaman (ankle).
City have a full-strength team available, though West Brom will certainly be without three regulars: goalkeeper Ben Foster and midfielders Claudio Yacob and Chris Brunt are all certainly unavailable. However, attackers Brown Ideye, Victor Anichebe and Callum McManaman could all recover from knocks to make Pulis’ squad.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 12:45 p.m. local, 8:45 a.m. ET
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England
TV: NBCSN (U.S. - English), NBC Universo (U.S. - Spanish), TSN (Canada), BT Sport 1 (U.K.)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S. - English), Deportes Telemundo En Vivo Extra (U.S. - Spanish), BT Sport 1 (U.K.)
Listings via Live Soccer TV.
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