TMB’S Josh Lawless spoke to Alex Newton of fellow Fresh Press UK site Read West Brom, and asked him some questions ahead of his side’s visit to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon. He was asked about new Albion manager Tony Pulis, Manuel Pellegrini and, most importantly, Saturday’s Premier League match-up between The Blues and The Baggies.
Much like he did at Crystal Palace, Tony Pulis has had a huge impact at West Brom. How would you summarise his tenure so far?
He’s been a welcome breath of fresh air. Alan Irvine had run the cub into the ground and the fans wanted more. Pulis came in with a fantastic reputation and the players instantly responded to that. He sorted out the defence quickly getting the best out the likes of Lescott and McAuley, and our clean sheet record since he joins shows that. He’s made some questionable tactical changes (Brunt and left back) but all in all he’s started his reign brilliantly.
After a really poor run of form, City are in need of a massive response. Do you feel that you can capitalise, with Pellegrini’s side low on confidence at the moment?
I’d like to think so but it’s a double edged sword. You will be wanting to hit back straight away after the Champions League disappointment midweek and will see it as a perfect chance to do so. We have to score first to have any sort of chance I believe. If we do score first though, I reckon you may start to panic.
What are your thoughts on Pellegrini and the job he has done here? The fans are quite split on whether he should remain in charge next season.
I like him. He did brilliantly to win the league last season but once again he’s struggled in Europe, something your board will look at strongly. He’s made a few questionable signings but he’s moved you up a step from the Mancini team. I expect him to stay next season and I hope he does he’s a great manager and never makes bad press.
Who do you think could be Albion’s dangerman in the game? Could Berahino’s pace and energy trouble the Blues’ backline?
If Berahino is fully fit and on his game he’ll cause any defence in the league a problem, but I think the bigger problem could be Ideye. He’s starting to find confidence and his link up play with Berahino is a joy to behold at times. There’s questions over both their fitness heading into the game so Albion fans can only hope they’re both fully fit.
A few fans were disappointed that Joleon Lescott departed in the summer, as he was well-liked here. How has he been getting on at West Brom?
He’s been our best player. He missed the first few games of the season but in his first game for the club we won 1-0 away against Spurs and he was unreal. Majority of the time he has been a brick wall at the back and he looks a class above the Albion. He has suffered the odd mistake though and his lack of pace is telling but overall he’s been superb.
West Brom’s record at the Etihad since 2009 stands at 5 losses, no draws and no wins, but the likes of Stoke, Hull, Newcastle and Middlesbrough have all frustrated City on their home turf. Do you think it all boils down to how Pulis sets up?
Completely, Pulis has to get the team right. The forwards know what their job is but he has to get the defence right. A solid midfield is also key as City’s could potentially outclass Albion. Hopefully it’s not back to the walls for 90 minutes but if it is hopefully he sets them team up to counter attack. We’ve had an awful record against City but some of those results gives me hope.
Which City player(s) are you worried about going into the game?
David Siva. He’s one of my favourite players in the league just for how easy he makes the game look. When he plays in the hole behind the strikers he’s phenomenal. If our fullbacks aren’t on top of their games he’ll pick them apart easily. I’d like to give a shout to Joe Hart too who’s by far the best English keeper. He was at his very best against Barca midweek and if he’s anywhere near that on Saturday he’ll be hard to beat.
What weaknesses do you think City could target in this West Brom side?
The fullbacks, we’ve been playing with makeshift ones for weeks now. Chris Brunt is suspended for the match which could see Lescott play left back which has been awful the last 2 times. It could even see Chris Baird come into the side that David Silva would have a field day against. Boaz Myhill will also be in goal after Foster’s injury which could be a weakness due to his lack of first team minutes.
Finally can we get a score and scorers prediction from you?
As optimistic as I am I can only see a City win here. Manchester City 3-1 West Brom, two for Silva, one for Aguero, one for Ideye.
