Preview
Steve Clarke's Baggies aim to stab more Haw-thorns into the soft flesh of City's woeful away form.
Homesickness has been an incurable problem thus far for Manuel Pellegrini's blues, but a recent irresistible display of class on home turf will indubitably provide City with confidence on their travels.
The Citizens have netted an incredible 29 goals at the Etihad in the Premier League this season, a tally that ridicules their comparably embarrassing away record of 8. The blues have boasted an impressive 57% of possession in their six away fixtures, but defensive frailties and goalkeeping errors have ultimately sealed City's demise away from home.
Despite winning the tie for his side in the same fixture last season, Edin Dzeko is expected to watch his striking counterparts Sergio Aguero and Alvaro Negredo attempt the same feat from the bench. However, the news that skipper Vincent Kompany will be included in tomorrow's squad will dramatically elevate the hopes of the travelling City faithful.
Vincent Kompany could start for Manchester City tomorrow evening.
The Baggies have not beaten Manchester City since 2008 and have conceded 16 goals to their opponents in the seven fixtures since that victory. Steve Clarke's last win came courtesy of Crystal Palace on November the 2nd and the Brummies will be looking to tame an in form Manchester City side on Wednesday night in hope of entering the top half of the table.
Hitting the back of the net has been a problem for the brummies whose top goalscorer in the league this season has been Shane Long with three. The absence of Romelu Lukaku has proven to be a significant development in the progression of the club, but City's shaky defence will give the home side confidence.
Winning at home is unlikely to offer many concerns for the blues this season and goals will continue to flow at the Etihad, but it is away from home where genuine title contenders will be highlighted.
Homesickness is no longer an option.
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Line-Up
Hooray! Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed that Vincent Kompany will be included in tomorrow's squad and City fans will be desperate to see the Belgian plug a leaky defence on Wednesday night. Meanwhile, Matija Nastasic, Stevan Jovetic and David Silva remain unavailable for selection.
David Silva is still recovering from injury.
BBC's African Player of the Year, Yaya Toure, will almost certainly partner Fernandinho, Samir Nasri and Jesus Navas in a midfield that has tormented City's opposition at the Etihad in recent weeks.
Key Players
Shane Long
City have struggled defensively this season and the speed of the Irishman is sure to cause the blues some problems on Wednesday night. His two goals against Aston Villa a fortnight ago weren't enough to seal a much needed win for the Baggies, but he'll be hoping to continue his recent goalscoring form tomorrow.
Samir Nasri
The Frenchman has been in fine form for Manchester City this season and has sparkled in the absence of David Silva. His skill and technique has been a nightmare for opposing defenders and his creativity all over the park has ignited some of the most ferocious attacking play ever seen in the Premier League.
