MANCHESTER CITY

Pep Guardiola made nine changes to his team for Tuesday’s League Cup match against Wolverhampton, and given that was a poor performance and a grueling 120-minute game for the reserves, it makes total sense for Pep to return to his usual starters against West Brom.

Ederson Moraes, Nicolas Otamendi, Fabian Delph, Fernandinho and David Silva were not part of the game against Wolves, and Kevin De Bruyne, John Stones and Leroy Sané played limited minutes in extra time. Gabriel Jesus started and was substituted before the end of regulation, so it’s quite possible that he’ll start up front at The Hawthorns, with Sergio Agüero going to the bench to recover properly ahead of Napoli. Raheem Sterling is young and recovers well, so he’ll surely be available to start as well.

The only real doubt about the lineup is Agüero or Jesus up front, but given Sergio played for two straight hours plus penalties on Tuesday it makes sense to give him at least the first half on Saturday to rest. Jesus is more than good enough to get goals and Sergio will be crucial in Naples, so let’s be cautious with him.

Predicted XI: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Otamendi, Delph; De Bruyne, Fernandinho, Silva; Sterling, Jesus, Sané

Bitter and Blue XI (as voted by our community):

Ederson; Walker, Stones, Otamendi, Delph; De Bruyne, Fernandinho, Silva; Jesus, Agüero, Sané

WEST BROMWICH ALBION

Tony Pulis has had to deal with a lot of injuries this week, especially in defense: his starting right-back Craig Dawson is out for eight weeks while experienced center-back Gareth McAuley is also expected to be out. The two have been important parts of the defense since Pulis took over, so it might not be as tough for City to break down the Baggies.

The good news for Pulis is that Jonny Evans and Gareth Barry will be fit to face the Blues, and the two are crucial pieces of West Brom’s defensive system. Up front Tony will likely opt for pace and strength with Jay Rodriguez, Salomon Rondón and Nacer Chadli looking to hurt City on counter attacks and set pieces.

Predicted XI: Foster; Nyom, Hegazi, Evans, Gibbs; Krychowiak, Livermore, Barry; Rodriguez, Rondón, Chadli

OFFICIAL LINEUPS

Man City: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Otamendi, Delph; De Bruyne, Fernandinho, Silva; Bernardo, Jesus, Sané

West Brom: Foster; Nyom, McAuley, Hegazi, Evans, Gibbs; Krychowiak, Livermore, Barry; Rodriguez, Rondón