Manchester City will have a strong team even if they make changes, says West Brom manager Tony Pulis ahead of Carabao Cup encounter

• e-mail

West Bromwich Albion will still face a formidable Manchester City line-up even if the Premier League leaders rest key players for Wednesday's League Cup clash at The Hawthorns, according to Tony Pulis. 

City skipper Vincent Kompany, who returned to training last week from a calf injury, could make his return to the line-up.

Baggies boss Pulis had no doubts about the depth of Pep Guardiola's squad and admitted the game would be a challenge.

Man City will be formidable even if they rest players, says West Brom manager Tony Pulis

He said: 'I don't think we've got anything to lose. City are on fire at the moment and everybody will expect them to be close to winning the Premier League title. 

'They are an exceptionally strong club in respect of depth so it's going to be a tough game, but an enjoyable one.

'If he makes a few changes, the players coming in will still be exceptional players, so we'll have to be right on it.'

Pulis promised he would field a strong team in the hope of pulling off an upset and putting West Brom on a cup run.

He said: 'It will be a tough game but we'll put out a strong team and going to have a go at it and give it the best we've got.'

Vincent Kompany could return from injury for the Carabao Cup third round at The Hawthorns