Manchester City vs West Bromwich

Their title challenge may have faded but Roberto Mancini's men need to restore some pride with a home win. Adam Bate thinks they will do just that - but it won't be easy.Manchester City’s defeat to Arsenal on Sunday came complete with a Mario Balotelli meltdown for good measure.As the recriminations begin on their seemingly unsuccessful attempt to knock neighbours United off their perch this season, there remains the small matter of fulfilling their fixture list – starting with this home game against West Brom on Wednesday.City are 2/7 (1.27) with William Hill to put their Emirates Stadium woes behind them and pick up all three points. That price reflects their impressive home record despite the problems on the road.West Brom have little to play for as they enjoy the relative comforts of mid-table security. The chief concern at the Hawthorns is ensuring manager Roy Hodgson extends his stay with the Baggies.A win here will only hasten that desire to see Hodgson put pen to paper, and is available at 9/1 (10.0) with William Hill. The draw can be backed at 9.2 (5.5).In the goalscorer market, Sergio Aguero remains a short-odds favourite to net first at 7/2 (4.5) while Marc-Antoine Fortune is an interestingly priced 12/1 (13.0) for the visitors.The 30-year-old forward has been entrusted with leading the line for Hodgson’s men in recent months and with three goals in 10 games, he has done a steady job.But it is to the other markets that we turn for the pick of the bets. After nine clean sheets in 12 games, City have failed to deny their opponents in their last five. Moreover, West Brom failed to score in just two of their last 12.As a result, back the Baggies to net in this one and tip both teams to score at 19/20 (1.95) with William Hill.For the value bet, tipping a close game might surprise some but it would be easy to understand City being deflated for this clash.The most common scoreline for West Brom this season has been a 2-1 defeat and a repeat of that result can be backed at 15/2 (8.5) with William Hill.