Sam Allardyce’s Baggies will be looking to improve their home form when they host Manchester City at The Hawthorns on Tuesday evening (ko.8.15pm).
Man City
Their last time out
City's recent outing saw them progress in the Emirates FA Cup after coming from behind to beat League Two Cheltenham Town 3-1.
The Cityzens’ cup exploits mean they are now unbeaten since November 25, 2020 - a run which currently spans 17 games, and one they will be aiming to extend to 18 in the Black Country.
In the dugout
Pep Guardiola has drilled his side into one of the in-form teams in Europe.
They're currently top of the form guide in Europe’s top five divisions having won their last 10 games in all competitions, with Guardiola continuing to encourage his City side to compete on all fronts this year.
Former Barcelona boss Pep has secured eight accolades since moving to Greater Manchester in 2016; winning two Premier League titles, two Community Shields, one FA Cup and three consecutive EFL Cups.
The Spaniard will be hoping to guide his team to a fourth consecutive EFL Cup when they face Tottenham in the final at the end of April. And with a last-16 Champions League tie against Borussia Mönchengladbach to look forward to in February, Pep’s star-studded outfit have several opportunities to add further success to their collection this season.
One to watch
Ilkay Gundogan has been in great goalscoring form for Guardiola’s men.
The German international has scored four in his last five Premier League matches, and the 30-year-old is one of several City midfielders reaping the rewards of their attacking approach.
Gundogan, along with fellow creative sparks Phil Foden and Ferran Torres have netted seven goals or more in the top flight this season. As well as Raheem Sterling leading the way with eight strikes this term, City are regularly finding the back of the net in the absence of prolific forward, Sergio Aguero.
Our last meeting
Albion’s reverse game against Guardiola’s men this season saw them battle for a hard-fought point at the Etihad Stadium back in December, 2020.
Ruben Dias’ own goal off a Semi Ajayi effort levelled the score for the Baggies, and ended a run of 14 consecutive defeats against the Cityzens.
Stats
Albion
- Top-scorer Matheus Pereira has netted four goals in his last three matches.
- The Baggies have scored three goals in their last two home games against City.
- Albion’s last home Premier League victory over City came in December, 2008 when they won 2-1.
- Sam Allardyce’s last managerial win against the Manchester outfit also ended 2-1 in October, 2014 during his time at West Ham.
Man City
- Pep Guardiola’s side have conceded just once in their last six PL matches.
- Ilkay Gundogan has scored five in his last seven league games.
- City’s current top-scorer Raheem Sterling scored on his last visit to The Hawthorns, which ended in a 3-2 defat for the Baggies in October, 2017.
- Guardiola is undefeated from the three duels he's had with Albion boss Sam Allardyce.
Head to head
| Albion wins | Draw | City wins | |
| League | 49 | 28 | 66 |
| FA Cup | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| League Cup | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| Total | 53 | 29 | 70 |
Our one to watch
Matheus Pereira’s goal-scoring exploits make him Albion’s in-form player going into Tuesday’s clash.
The creative midfielder has netted four goals in his last three appearances for the Baggies, including a game-changing brace to secure Sam Allardyce’s first victory during the Black Country derby against Wolves.
With City’s high-press style, the Brazilian may be the key to Albion’s attacking threat at The Hawthorns. While Semi Ajayi’s aerial presence could be influential on proceedings too, having netted two headed goals in his last three games.
Read all about it
An action-packed Albion News features in the second edition of 2021.
Jake Livermore returns with the captain’s notes, as well as Sam Allardyce’s pre-match thoughts ahead of the visit of Man City.
We hear from Dara O’Shea, Darnell Furlong and Romaine Sawyers in exclusive interviews, and Academy graduate Fin Thorndike talks about his hopes of becoming the next youngster to break into the first-team picture.
Plenty to go through! Secure your copy for Tuesday’s game here.
Follow the game
Gez Mulholland will be joined by once midfield-now-microphone maestro Andy Johnson to provide proudly partisan commentary and an expert insight for WBA Radio.
To listen live to Baggies-biased commentary on WBA Radio for free for every home and away match during the 2020/21 season all you have to do is sign up for a free My Albion account.
If you haven't already you can create your My Albion account here. Click Create Account or register quickly with your Facebook or Google account.
Live commentary starts from 15 minutes before kick-off and will be accessible through the live match centre or WBA TV.
If you have any issues registering or accessing your My Albion account please contact myalbion@wbafc.co.uk.
The game is also available to watch on BT Sport.