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Manchester City have already confirmed their place as league leaders on Christmas day, and now they’ll look to make sure they retain top spot going into 2012, starting with a win against West Brom at the Hawthorns.
City looked irresistible as they downed Stoke 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday to help keep Manchester United at bay going into Christmas day, and now they’ll look to repeat the trick against a West Brom side full of confidence after back to back wins in the Premier League.
Three points against both Blackburn and Newcastle have moved Roy Hodgson’s men up to 10th in the league table going into the festive period, and the former Liverpool manager will be searching for the perfect late Christmas present – three points against the league leaders.
City’s goal scoring exploits this season have left all comers in their wake, and now three of Roberto Mancini’s players occupy a spot in the top eight goalscorers this season.
Sergio Aguero grabbed a double against Stoke on Wednesday and now sits just behind Robin Van Persie in the top scorers list while Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli trail just behind.
All told City have scored 53 goals this season and it is this fire power the Baggies will have to be wary of when the step onto the field at the Hawthorns.
West Brom have won only two games at home all season in contrast to their away form which has seen them pick up four wins and two draws, and Hodgson will certainly like to address that balance if he has hopes of guiding his side up the league table .
City have a few injury worries going into the game, with Micah Richards being manager Roberto Mancini’s main concern.
The England international is hampered by a leg injury that has left him a doubt for the game, while Aleksander Kolarov continues his spell on the sidelines.
Gale Clichy returned to action against Stoke having served his one game suspension having been sent off against Chelsea and will likely start at left back once again, meaning Pablo Zabaleta will likely remain on the bench having served at left-back in the former Arsenal man’s absence.
For West Brom, James Morrison could make his comeback from a hamstring injury he suffered in the win over Blackburn, while Zoltan Gera is out for the season and Steven Reid remains in the treatment room.
Match Winner
It comes as no surprise that Manchester City are overwhelming favourites for this game given their outstanding form so far this season.
City are placed at 1.44 (4/9) with Bet365 to take the spoils while West Brom are 8.00 (7/1) with the same bookmaker to spring a major surprise.
The draw is 4.60 (18/5) also with VC Bet.
First Goalscorer
Manchester City’s galaxy of stars lead the way in the first goal stakes, with the in-form Sergio Aguero topping the lot.
The former Atletico Madrid man is best placed with Bet365 at 4.75 (15/4), cosely followed by his regular partners in crime, Mario Balotelli and Edin Dzeko – both 5.00 (4/1) with SkyBet.
West Brom will look to Peter Odemwingie to get the goals they need, and he is placed at 10.00 (9/1) with BetFred.
Recommended Bets
First Goalscorer: Sergio Aguero, 4.75 (15/4) Bet365
Correct score: Manchester City 4-0, 23.00 (22/1) Ladbrokes
