Predicting Manchester City XI vs. West Brom
By Jag Sidhu
Right Back – Fernandinho
We love you Pablo Zabaleta and we know it’s your final home match as a City player but Fernandinho must start at right back. Guardiola won’t shoehorn Zabaleta into the lineup strictly out of sentiment. Whether it has been joining up in the buildup play, tucking into midfield as an inverted fullback, or marking the opponents left winger, Fernandinho has recently been exceptional as a makeshift fullback.
Right Central Defender – Vincent Kompany (C)
John Stones may be fit to play but the captain will continue to start as the RCB. It doesn’t surprise anyone that City has improved in all aspects since the return of the big Belgian.
Left Central Defender – Nicolás Otamendi
Otamendi will continue to partner Kompany at the back. He seems calmer and collected knowing Vinny is with him instead of a more inexperienced John Stones. He hasn’t been flying into rash challenges without considering the consequences, and his overall game has improved dramatically.
Left Back – Aleksandar Kolarov
City fans tend to forget that Kolarov has been at the club for seven years and that he might also be leaving this summer. Gael Clichy hasn’t done himself any favours recently, which means Kolarov is deserving of a start against a less threatening Baggies side. He trumps Clichy in both precision passing and the ability to win aerial duals, which are both important strengths to have against Pulis’ West Brom.