West Brom vs Manchester City: Baggies Galore
- Archie Barnett
- Aug 10, 2015
- 4 min read
Manchester City's 2015/16 campaign kicks off tonight at The Hawthorns against West Bromwich Albion and as part of our preview to the match, we thought it would be good to catch up with the opposition.
This week, we spoke to Nathan from Baggies Galore who provide independent coverage of the Baggies, and have been since 2013.
There's not long left until the new season kicks off for WBA and MCFC now, do you that up to now both teams have strengthened over the break?
From a West Brom perspective, I feel the business we’ve done so far has been pleasing. James McClean was brought in from Wigan and has been impressive during pre-season; James Chester is very highly rated by Hull fans and hopefully his performances vindicate the £8m we paid for him; Rickie Lambert will score goals and has a point to prove after a disappointing spell with Liverpool; Arsenal loanee Serge Gnabry will add width and creativity on the flanks. There are still others reportedly in the pipeline, with Zenit stiker Salomon Rondon poised to sign for a club-record £15m. I’m confident that the players Pulis has brought in will improve the team. Importantly they all have Premier League experience. But we still need to strengthen the full-back department.
As for Manchester City, it’s clear that there’s been a bigger focus on home-grown signings. I rate Fabian Delph very highly – he always played well against us for Aston Villa – and he could form a strong central midfield partnership with Fernandinho. There will be a lot of pressure on Raheem Sterling to deliver given the price tag, but there’s no questioning his ability. He’s obviously a very, very good player. Patrick Roberts is an excellent young prospect. I hope he gets a look-in at City and isn’t simply forgotten about. I’d hate to see a player of such immense potential just earn big wages and fade away. What Chelsea do with youngsters really annoys me: stockpiling and using Vitesse as a feeder club. It more often than not hampers the developmental process, instead of encouraging it.
Where do you predict both teams will finish in the table come May next year?
You won’t like me for saying this, but I’ve got Chelsea or Arsenal down as title challengers. In my opinion, City will finish third, guaranteeing Champions League football for another
season. It’s quite incredible that the vast majority of City fans wouldn’t be happy with that given the recent history of the club. What I will say is remember when you were playing the likes of Rotherham in the Second Division. Now look where you are. It’s not all that bad, guys…
Joleon Lescott of course faces his former club in this game, how do you think he has performed as a West Brom player?
On the whole he’s been very, very impressive. He started off slowly because of injury but Pulis’ predecessor, Alan Irvine, partnered him with Craig Dawson in central defence and those two were magnificent for us. Under Pulis he has played more as a left-back, occasionally switching into the centre, which I’m not a huge fan of because of his lack of pace. You can definitely tell that he’s a cut above, though. A great leader, he reads the game superbly and can play out the back too. It’s no accident that he earned 26 caps for England.
The Baggies are obviously a team you have supported through thick and thin, and us City fans certainly know the feeling. Do you ever feel jealous of the position Manchester City are now in since the money came in?
Yes and no, really. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to follow Albion in the Champions League and see my team lift up the Premier League trophy. To watch world-class players like Sergio Aguero and Vincent Kompany representing my club week in week out. It would be an unbelievable feeling. But then, on the other hand, I quite like the way we are. The huge influx of money can mean that you, the fan, almost lose that emotional attachment and bond. Maybe it becomes more of a product and brand? There’s always allegations of ‘fake’, ‘tourist’ supporters which must be irritating for those who have followed City for so long before all the money was pumped in. I know it’s virtually impossible in modern football; however I’d rather climb up the ladder through hard work and maximising resources, through developing the youngsters and investing in proper infrastructure. That way it feels like any success the club experiences has been built over time and not handed to them by Sheikh millionaires. I do realise this is extremely hard to achieve. I’d certainly be interested in hearing from City fans on this issue, though, and whether you prefer dogging it out in the Championship on a cold Tuesday night or travelling all over Europe supporting your team against the continent’s elite?
Who do you think will be the man that City need to watch?
Saido Berahino, whose future at West Brom still isn’t 100% certain, will always carry a goal threat. He’s developed an awful lot over the last few seasons both on and off the pitch. Darren Fletcher is a fantastic leader in the engine room and will run himself into the ground. It’s also worth mentioning Callum McManaman who’s had a solid pre-season and looks very fit indeed. He’s incredibly hard to keep tabs on when he gets going down the wing.
Lastly, who do you think will come out on top of this game, and what score?
New season optimism. Albion 1-1 City. I think you’ll find it difficult to break us down and we have some attacking assets that can impose themselves. A point in this one would be a brilliant start for us.
There you have it, the views from a West Brom fan. What are your thoughts on the match ahead?
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