After Saturday saw Chelsea slip up at home to Sunderland, Manchester City will look to capitalise on Monday evening when Pepe Mel and West Bromwich Albion visit Manchester hoping to strengthen their bid for survival. Both sides still have something to play for at this stage of the season, and with the sides around both of the teams dropping points this weekend, Monday’s game will be of significance for both.
Whilst the Premier League title looks almost certain to be heading to Anfield this season, with Liverpool five points clear of second-placed Chelsea and nine ahead of Manchester City, The Blues’ title bid isn’t completely dead, and Manuel Pellegrini’s side could still win the title if City win all their games and Chelsea come away with a win at Anfield next weekend. This would mean City could in theory win the title on goal difference, but it remains a tall order.
Meanwhile, West Brom have had a turbulent season in the bottom half of the Premier League. They have had three different managers in the dugout, and as it stands are still only three points clear of the relegation zone; albeit, with two games in hand. New man Pepe Mel, who was appointed in January has won just two games since taking over The Baggies, but will be hoping to make it three when he takes his team up north on Monday night, as he looks to keep West Brom and his job safe.
West Brom’s injury list could be dramatically reduced before their visit to Manchester on Monday night. Jonas Olsson (calf) and James Morrison (ankle) are both expected to have late fitness tests before the game at The Etihad, which would leave just Zoltan Gera (hamstring) on the injury table.
Monday’s hosts have a few more injury worries to contend themselves with. Whilst starring Spaniard David Silva (ankle) is to have a late fitness test and should make the game, Yaya Touré is out again but could make it back for the weekend’s trip to Selhurst Park. Jesús Navas (ankle) and Matija Nastasić (knee) are both also out, and with no predicted return dates for either the midfielder or defender.
Monday night should be a straightforward win for Manchester City, as home games often are. However, this season the Premier League has been more unpredictable than ever and surprises are always just around the corner. Sunderland’s visit to Manchester last Wednesday night (in which they came away with a 2-2 draw after Connor Wickham scored twice) showed us that City are far from invincible, and Pepe Mel will be hoping that his side can do exactly the same to what the Black Cats did last week.