Manchester City desperately need to return to winning ways after picking up just one point from two successive trips to Birmingham, although the Citizens are a real force to be reckoned with at their Eastlands. West Brom remained very close to the relegation zone as they salvaged a point against Wigan, and the Baggies are now hoping to bring at least one point from Manchester.

Third place in danger

Despite the heavy spending over the last few years, Manchester City still lack the qualities of genuine top 4 side, with their performances on the travels still a big problem. Roberto Mancini’s side have stabilized their home form, having won last four games at Eastlands, but they couldn’t win any of their last three away games, which is a cause for concern. The attacking style of play leaves their opponents enough space to hurt them on the break, so it is little wonder City have conceded in every one of their last five games, although the good thing is their scoring form remains intact. Having started to slip down the Premiership standings, the Citizens have no choice but to attack West Brom from the off, which should bring us a very open games and plenty of chances at both ends.

The Toure brothers should return to the starting line-up, while Nigel De Jong is doubtful with an ankle problem. Mario Balotelli, Adam Johnson and Micah Richards remain sidelined.

West Brom still on the downtrend

West Brom are desperately looking to rediscover the form that served them so well in the first part of the season after they recorded more than a few under-par results. It looked as though the narrow win over Blackpool would help the Baggies turn the season around, but that failed to happen and now Roberto Di Mateo’s side search for new morale boosting victory. With players like Odemwingie, Thomas and Vela in the side, I have no doubt the Baggies can score against City’s shaky backline, but their own defence also faces an uphill task against opposition strikers. West Brom did lose their last six away games, but let’s not forget they beat Arsenal and Everton away this season, so City cannot afford to take this game lightly.

Roberto Di Mateo welcomes back team’s top scorer Peter Odemwingie as well as Simon Cox, but Gonzalo Jara and Marek Cech are rated 50/50. Graham Dorrans is a major doubt with an ankle injury, but Steven Reid and Joe Mattock are out injured.

Verdict

Manchester City are clearly attack-minded team and they desperately need a win here, meaning they will go all guns blazing at West Brom. The Baggies, too, are not afraid to attack their opponents and everything suggests we will see a very entertaining game at Eastlands. Therefore, my advice is to bet on over 3 goals.

Our prediction: Over 3 goals

Odds: 2.05 (21/20)

Bookmaker: Titan Bet