Slaven Bilić’s Baggies play their second game in four days when they take on Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night (ko 8pm).
Manchester City
Their last time out
City couldn’t claim the bragging rights as Manchester United held them to a goalless draw in their local derby at Old Trafford last Saturday evening.
The Cityzens had won their previous game 3-0 after defeating Porto in the UEFA Champions League to progress to the knockout stages, and their recent draw with United stretches their unbeaten run in the league to three matches heading into Tuesday’s clash.
In the dugout
Pep Guardiola will be looking to challenge for his third Premier League title as he approaches the midway point of his fifth season in charge at City.
Despite failing to claim any silverware in his first term in charge, the Spaniard moulded a successful side which sealed the league title as well as the EFL Cup and Community Shield during his second season in 2018.
Guardiola’s men retained their hold over English football in 2019 but were edged out by reigning champions Liverpool last season. Nevertheless, the 49-year-old will consider his time in Greater Manchester a success having won eight trophies over four years in charge at the Etihad Stadium.
One to watch
Kevin De Bruyne has continued his usual creative exploits for Guardiola’s side this season and is already second-highest in the league for number of assists (6).
The Belgium international has been a pivotal part of City’s success since joining the club in August, 2015 from German outfit VFL Wolfsburg and is considered one of the world’s best playmakers.
De Bruyne has claimed eight accolades during his time in Manchester, and the 29-year-old will be hoping to extend City’s success across domestic and European fronts this year.
Our last meeting
The Baggies’ last encounter with City ended in a 3-0 defeat in January, 2018 and Albion have found their top-flight duels against the Manchester side tough affairs.
Their last success away at Man City came during a 2-1 victory in February, 2003 thanks to goals from Neil Clement and Darren Moore at Maine Road. The Baggies most memorable moment against City came in September, 2001 - a resounding 4-0 win at The Hawthorns.
Stats
Manchester City
- City have conceded just one goal in their last four Premier League home games.
- Pep Guardiola’s side have missed the most big chances in the division (19).
- City have also had the third-highest amount of shots this term (168).
Albion
- Albion are still without a win on the road this season.
- The Baggies are eighth-highest for number of tackles made in the Premier League (193).
- They have also missed the least amount of big chances in the division (4).
Head to head
| Man City wins | Draw | Albion wins | |
| League | 66 | 27 | 49 |
| FA Cup | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| League Cup | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Total | 70 | 28 | 54 |
Our one to watch
Darnell Furlong was rewarded for his attacking endeavours this season by netting his first Premier League goal last time out against Newcastle.
The wing-back struck a well-timed volley to level the contest during last Saturday’s narrow 2-1 defeat to Newcastle and has demonstrated his attacking ability on a number of occasions this term, notably hitting the crossbar against Crystal Palace.
Furlong’s aerial ability is one of the best in the division so far with 47 battles won - the sixth-highest in the division - and the 25-year-old’s attacking intent could be a valuable asset for the Baggies this year.
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 Amazon Prime.