Manchester City will hope to address their away troubles in the Premier League when they make the trip to West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday evening.
The former champions have been in stunning form on their own patch – racking up 29 goals during a seven-match winning run this season – but have lost four times on the road, winning just once in the process.
West Brom, meanwhile, have struggled in recent weeks. The Baggies enter the match on the back of a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United at the weekend, while they have won just once of their last five matches in the league.
Their home form has also been patchy with two wins, two draws and two defeats at The Hawthorns, but they have been impressive against the bigger teams on their own turf in recent seasons.
That said, City boast a strong recent record against West Brom. They have won four of the last five matches between the two sides, including a 2-1 victory in this stadium last season. However, a Premier League clash in December 2011 at The Hawthorns finished goalless.
As it stands, City sit third in the table on 25 points. They have won each of their last three matches in all competitions, scoring an incredible 13 goals in the process.
The Manchester outfit also boast the top scorer in the league this season, with Sergio Aguero finding the back of the net on 10 occasions thus far.
Boss Steve Clarke could continue with the same XI that lost at Newcastle, although Claudio Yacob is expected to come into the midfield.
Shane Long should also continue as the lone forward, but Saido Berahino and Victor Anichebe are pushing for starts.
There is still no Ben Foster, however, meaning that Boaz Myhill will continue between the sticks. Clarke is also expected to resist the temptation to rest Gareth McAuley or Jonas Olsson.
City, meanwhile, could have skipper Vincent Kompany available, but the Belgian is expected to be named on the bench.
England goalkeeper Joe Hart is also expected to remain on the sidelines, but changes could be made in midfield.
James Milner is pushing for a start in a wide position, while Aleksandar Kolarov could replace Gael Clichy at left-back, as manager Manuel Pellegrini prepares to rotate his squad ahead of the festive period.
Recent form
West Brom: LWDDL
Man City: WLWWW
Possible starting lineups
West Brom: Myhill; Jones, McAuley, Olsson, Ridgewell; Mulumbu, Yacob; Amalfitano, Sessegnon, Brunt; Long
Man City: Pantillimon; Zabaleta, Demichelis, Lescott, Kolarov; Toure, Fernandinho; Nasri, Aguero, Milner; Negredo
Sports Mole says: 1-2
Matt Law
