Manchester City vs West Brom preview: Can Samir Nasri inspire City?

A look ahead to the Premier League fixture at the Etihad Stadium

Samir Nasri in action for Manchester City at Bournemouth (Getty)

It’s a big game for…

Samir Nasri: The Frenchman has endured a tough season in which his opportunities have been seriously limited due to injuries. Last week’s game against Bournemouth was the Frenchman’s first outing since October and he will likely get the start this weekend as Manuel Pellegrini looks to give certain players a rest before Tuesday’s crucial Champions League quarter-final second leg against Paris Saint Germain.

Nasri will be desperate to impress in the coming weeks in order to lay down a marker for incoming boss Pep Guardiola who will undoubtedly be looking to replace a number of City’s well-paid stars in the summer.

Weird /best stat…

3: West Brom have conceded three goals in each of their last five league contests against Man City.

Player to watch…

Salomon Rondon: West Brom’s Venezuelan striker has had a decent season for the Baggies and has been an integral part of the team as it has pulled clear of danger over the past few months. Rondon scored the winner in two of his team’s last three wins including the only goal as his side defeated Manchester United last month.

West Brom will be massive underdogs at the Etihad on Saturday but if they do manage to pull off a shock, don’t be surprised if Rondon is at the heart of it.

Past three-meetings…

West Brom 0 Man City 3 (Silva, Toure, Kompany), Premier League, August 2015.

Man City 3 (Bony, Fernando, Silva) West Brom 0, Premier League, March 2015.

West Brom 1 (Ideye) Man City 3 (Fernando, Toure, Silva), Premier League, December 2014.

Form guide…

Man City: WDDLWD

West Brom: LWDWLD

Vital information…

KICK-OFF TIME: 17:30

TV: Live on Sky Sports 1