On Thursday, Manchester City will head to The Hawthorns to take on West Bromwich Albion in an all-important Premier League clash between two teams looking to move up in the table.
So far, Manchester City has been absolutely unstoppable on home turf but haven't been nearly as impressive on the road, so Manuel Pellegrini's side will be looking to reverse that trend this evening.
So far, Manchester City has been absolutely unstoppable on home turf but haven't been nearly as impressive on the road, so Manuel Pellegrini's side will be looking to reverse that trend this evening.
As of now, City sit six points back of Arsenal, but after watching Liverpool and Manchester United both struggle last weekend, this squad knows nothing has been decided yet.
At the other end of the pitch, West Brom will be looking to once again notch a favorable result against a league heavyweight, having drawn with Chelsea and emerging victorious against Manchester United already this season.
At the other end of the pitch, West Brom will be looking to once again notch a favorable result against a league heavyweight, having drawn with Chelsea and emerging victorious against Manchester United already this season.
Heading into what should be a very entertaining tilt, here's a look at everything you need to know in order to catch all the action.
When: Wednesday, Dec. 5, at 4 a.m. GMT+8
Where: The Hawthorns
When: Wednesday, Dec. 5, at 4 a.m. GMT+8
Where: The Hawthorns
Top Storyline: Will Vincent Kompany's Return Help City to Second Road Victory of 2013?
After spending roughly two months on the shelf due to a thigh injury, Vincent Kompany is reportedly ready to return to action for City.
As such, Pellegrini's defense, which is coming off two consecutive clean sheets, will be even stingier than before with the Belgian star back in the mix.
After spending roughly two months on the shelf due to a thigh injury, Vincent Kompany is reportedly ready to return to action for City.
As such, Pellegrini's defense, which is coming off two consecutive clean sheets, will be even stingier than before with the Belgian star back in the mix.
But even with the captain back on the pitch, this team's biggest hurdle will be finding a way to secure a victory away from Etihad Stadium.
Thus far, Kompany's club has just one road triumph on the season, which is simply unacceptable for a team that once looked destined to challenge for the Premier League crown.
And, though West Brom are obviously a far less talented side, there's no overlooking their results against top-caliber clubs so far in 2013.
Ultimately, Pellegrini's troops need to produce offensively, because just eight of the club's 37 goals have come away from home, which won't be good enough to keep pace with Arsenal and Chelsea.
Thus far, Kompany's club has just one road triumph on the season, which is simply unacceptable for a team that once looked destined to challenge for the Premier League crown.
And, though West Brom are obviously a far less talented side, there's no overlooking their results against top-caliber clubs so far in 2013.
Ultimately, Pellegrini's troops need to produce offensively, because just eight of the club's 37 goals have come away from home, which won't be good enough to keep pace with Arsenal and Chelsea.
Prediction: Manchester City 2, West Bromwich 1
Despite Man City's struggles on the road, the offensive firepower of Pellegrini's side will be the difference, and the Citizens will come away with a very important victory.
Sergio Aguero and Alvaro Negredo have been extremely reliable up front, and they'll continue that trend tomorrow against an overmatched opponent.
While West Brom would clearly be at a disadvantage as far as talent goes (even with a full squad), the absences of Youssouf Mulumbu, Ben Foster and Scott Sinclair certainly won't help.
Despite Man City's struggles on the road, the offensive firepower of Pellegrini's side will be the difference, and the Citizens will come away with a very important victory.
Sergio Aguero and Alvaro Negredo have been extremely reliable up front, and they'll continue that trend tomorrow against an overmatched opponent.
While West Brom would clearly be at a disadvantage as far as talent goes (even with a full squad), the absences of Youssouf Mulumbu, Ben Foster and Scott Sinclair certainly won't help.
Simply put, Man City has way too many weapons to fall or draw against an inferior foe once again on the road, so this will be the match where Pellegrini and company turn things around.
Furthermore, with just one goal in the previous six tilts with City, West Brom won't have an answer to the visitors' impressive offensive attack.
Furthermore, with just one goal in the previous six tilts with City, West Brom won't have an answer to the visitors' impressive offensive attack.
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