Manchester City have now scored 11 unanswered goals in their last two league outings and they are back in action this mid-week as they start their League Cup campaign with a tricky trip to the Hawthorns. The Baggies, who will welcome City for the third round fixture of the domestic cup competition, have been in decent form this season and are sure to test, what could be a weakened Manchester City.
Both teams will want to go all the way in this competition and here is the predicted lineup City might field for this tie.
Team News
Skipper Vincent Kompany is the only player out on the injury table and he is also not too far away from full recovery. Guardiola is however, expected to play a slightly changed side for this tie.
Expected lineup (4-3-3):
Defence
With Ederson doing well in the league, Guardiola should use Claudio Bravo between the sticks, to give him some game time on the field. The manager should stick with a back-4 and use Eliaquim Mangala as the senior centre-back for this game.
He should be partnered with Tosin Adarabioyo, who deserves some first team game time, after some impressive displays for the junior side. Danilo should start at left-back giving Benjamin Mendy a break while lack of options should see City stick with Kyle Walker at right-back.
Midfield
While Ilkay Gundogan is finally back in action, he might not be played as the deepest of the midfielders, a role Yaya Toure might be handed over in this League Cup tie. The Ivorian will be tested by a gritty midfield that has done well for the Baggies this season.
Former Aston Villa star Fabian Delph has not been able to impress Guardiola yet but he could be tested, giving him a chance to prove himself in this domestic cup tie. Gundogan will complete the three-man midfield for Manchester City.
Attack
The likes of David Silva and Kevin de Bruyne have been impeccable so far this season and deserve some rest. Winger Leroy Sane could be handed a start while newbie Bernardo Silva will be given a chance to prove his mettle from the starting XI against the Baggies.
The attack should be led by Gabriel Jesus, who should relieve Sergio Aguero of his duties after the Argentine had a sensational outing against Watford. Silva, Jesus and Sane will be an attack West Brom might find too hot to handle.
The likes of Phil Foden, Sergio Aguero, Raheem Sterling and John Stones may all find a place on the bench.
Here is how they might line up:
