James McClean made the switch from Wigan to West Brom this summer. (Getty)
Fresh off another spending spree that included capturing young English talent Raheem Sterling, Manchester City appear ready to wrestle back the Premier League title from rivals Chelsea. The preseason didn’t end on a positive note however as the Sky Blues were torched by German side Stuttgart 4-2.
The defensive concerns come as a surprise given Manchester City yielded just 38 goals in 38 EPL matches a year ago. The drop in fortune coincides with the drop in form of defender Vincent Kompany, who some feel is not at the top of his game anymore.
West Brom added Hull defender James Chester during the summer; the $12 million paid for the 26-year-old is the second highest transfer fee in the club’s history. Manchester City have purchased 32 players for at least $12 million since 2008.
Manchester City have won nine of the last 10 meetings, including scoring three goals in the last four matches. Here’s what you need to know about the match:
The Basics
Manchester City have spent more than $1 billion in transfer fees since 2008. The $50 million spent on Sergio Aguero is worth its weight in gold. (Getty)
Who:
What:
English Premier League Week 1
When:
Monday, August 10
Where:
The Hawthorns, West Bromwich
Time:
3 p.m. EST, 8 p.m. GMT
Channel:
NBCSN (US)/Sky Sports 1 (UK) (International viewers, click here for your local provider)
Odds:
West Brom 9/2, Manchester City 4/6, Draw 14/5
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