[Ska'dForLife-WBA]

The season's last international break is on the way, and when we reconvene for the big (and hopefully stress-free) run-in through the warmer days and lighter evenings, we'll be in a good strong position to stake our claim on survival.

We do have one more chance to improve that position further before the run-in; however, it's at pretty much the worst corner of the Premier League for us.  Taking points from the Etihad is something that other teams do; no matter how well we're playing or how shaky Man City are, they always get their act together against us, and even when we perform well there, we never quite manage to deliver the killer blow.

With City on the verge of blowing the title race altogether, on the back of another European nightmare, they'll probably be in a mood to do damage this weekend.  And we'll probably be in a mood to take a 0-0 draw at all costs, which in this instance would be a damn good result.  Reaching 34 points wouldn't be a huge leap down the road to safety, but every little helps.

Classic Match

Manchester City 1-3 West Bromwich Albion

Football League, First Division: 2nd February 1980

City's summer exports return to haunt them at Maine Road.  Wonder if Lescott fancies his chances this week?