Manchester City at West Brom, League Cup: Players to Watch

The Premier League takes a break this midweek, with the English Football League sides playing their League Cup matches on Tuesday and Wednesday. Some people really want us to call it the Carabao Cup, but we WILL NOT CALL IT THE CARABAO CUP.

Manchester City start their League Cup journey this season with another away trip to a Premier League side in a Cup tie, which seems to be the pattern for the Blues in recent years. West Bromwich Albion will provide the opposition at the Hawthorns, which means facing a Tony Pulis side, which then means a really ugly game that City could lose on a set piece in the 92nd minute after dominating the entire match and having 13 shots on target with 82% possession.

The Baggies and the Blues will possibly rotate their squad a little, but we should still see strong teams on Wednesday night. And here are a few players who could have an impact on the result:

Grzegorz Krychowiak

The Polish international was perhaps the most surprising signing of the entire summer, with West Brom able to capture him from Paris Saint-Germain on loan. This was a shocking transfer and many expect it to be the steal of the summer, and with good reason.

Krychowiak is a very good all-around midfielder who seems perfect for a Tony Pulis side. He isn’t the best passer or the most skilled player, but he’s very physical and can run for days. He’s also very good defensively, so expect him to play in almost every match, even in the League Cup.

Danilo Luiz

The Brazilian was signed from Real Madrid in the summer and many fans and pundits were skeptical of the Brazilian’s arrival at the Etihad. But after his first month of the season, Danilo has already turned things around and has played so well he’s earned a call-up to return to the Brazilian national team next month.

Danilo is the most versatile player in the squad and can play in any position around the back four and in a defensive midfield role, so expect him to start in one of those positions as Guardiola is looking to rotate his squad at the Hawthorns.

Sam Field

Along with striker Jonathan Leko, Field is one of the most promising young players to come out of the West Brom Academy, and he could be the one that gets a big transfer to a big Premier League club in the near future. Field is a complete midfielder who’s already earned the trust of Tony Pulis at the age of 19, which is not easy for a young player.

Field has the size, strength and stamina to defend anyone in the middle of the park, and he’s also a really nice passer who can find the forwards with some good through balls from deep positions. If Pulis chooses to rotate, Field will no doubt be in the starting lineup and could be a key player for the Baggies.

Phil Foden

Another young Academy product who could have an impact with a start in midfield is City’s Phil Foden, perhaps the star of City’s preseason. The 17-year-old is a huge favorite of Pep Guardiola, and there is no doubt Pep will give him plenty of minutes against West Brom.

Foden is fast, skilled and a good passer who can make plays for himself or others, and his personality has earned him a promotion to the first team in a permanent basis. Foden trains with the big boys every day and has a really bright future, and has the trust of the manager to have playing time this season. Look for him to have a good impact on Wednesday’s match if City get the win.