Right now, the situation for Manchester City in the English Premier League is a bit tenuous. They sit in fourth place, technically in the Champions League places, but out of the top three spots that guarantee a spot in the group stage next season. They’re only four points back of Arsenal, though, giving them a chance to potentially surpass the Gunners to finish third -- but they also only have a one point lead on arch-rivals Manchester United and a three point cushion on West Ham.
Manchester City vs. West Bromwich Albion 2016 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Manchester City need to start a winning streak if they’re going to have any chance of snagging third place in the EPL.
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That means that City needs to start winning a lot of games right now, especially with so little time left in the season. A match against West Bromwich Albion should be one they can start that winning streak with, adding to last weekend’s win over Bournemouth -- but that win was just their second in their last six games in the league, which doesn’t exactly promise inspiring form. West Brom are always a dangerous side to face, so City must be at their absolute best if they want to guarantee themselves the result they so desperately desire right now.
Key player -- Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
The skillful Belgian attacker spent a long time on the sideline with injury, but not that he’s back in action City fans will be feeling the excitement he brings again. Their attack is much better with De Bruyne in it than without for the balance and presence he brings to the final third, hopefully solving a lot of the consistency issues they’ve had while he’s been out. If he can get back up to speed quickly -- and he showed signs of that at midweek in the Champions League -- Manchester City might just be able to make a push on third place.
Key matchup -- Nicolas Otamendi (Manchester City) vs. Salomon Rondon (West Brom)
If West Brom are going to have a chance in this game, they need a big game out of Rondon. When the Venezuelan gets hot he’s hard to stop, and if he can start to play well, Otamendi is not a good matchup for him. The Argentine defender can’t keep up with Rondon’s quick movements and ball skills like he used to, and if the West Brom striker can take advantage of that, it’s going to be a rough day for Manchester City.
Manchester City injuries and suspensions
Out: David Silva, Vincent Kompany, Raheem Sterling In doubt: Yaya Toure
West Bromwich Albion injuries and suspensions
Out: Chris Brunt, James Morrison In doubt: Callum McManaman
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 12:30 p.m. ET, 5:30 p.m. local
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England
TV: NBC (U.S. - English), NBC Universo (U.S. - Spanish), Sportsnet 360 (Canada), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), Sky Go (U.K.)
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