Ibanez gets ban lifted to help West Brom’s defensive troubles
Published:West Brom have seen their defensive concerns eased ahead of their home game with Manchester City after Pablo Ibanez had his recent red card overturned.
Ibanez was set to be banned from City’s visit to the Hawthornes after being sent off in West Brom’s defeat at Blackpool.
However, the club appealed that the dismissal was unjust and the FA have agreed, meaning the one-game suspension has been lifted.
The news could be particularly important for Baggies boss Roberto Di Matteo as he faces a potential defensive headache for the clash with Manchester City.
Gonzalo Jara is starting a three-game ban for his sending off in the Blackpool game, while Jonas Olsson is battling to be fit after an ankle injury.
This could mean that Paul Scharner could drop back from midfield to slot into the defence, while Steven Reid is another to have past experience in performing in a back four.
West Brom are 11/4 to beat Manchester City despite having triumphed in the last four Premier League meetings between the pair at the Hawthornes.
Meanwhile, West Brom are still unbeaten in their five home games this season and Manchester City come into the showdown having lost their last two Premier League fixtures.
Di Matteo also has injury problems in other positions with top scorer Peter Odemwingie still yet to train after almost a month out with a knee problem, while James Morrison is doubtful after picking up an injury in training.
Manchester City are 1/1 to beat West Brom and the need for more goals on their travels may need to be corrected if they are to take the three points.
Roberto Mancini’s team have only managed six goals in their five Premier League away outings, with three of these coming at relegation favourites Blackpool.
Carlos Tevez has returned to Manchester from Argentina and is expected to feature against West Brom. See the full West Brom vs Manchester City match betting odds market.
