Afternoon everyone! We have the 10th round of Premier League fixtures this weekend, and the upcoming weeks will be important for everyone as we edge towards the hectic festive schedule. Today, there are seven top-flight showdowns in the calendar, and right here we will be focusing on the clash between West Bromwich Albion and Manchester City at The Hawthorns.

The Baggies are currently in the bottom half of the table - 13th to be exact - after taking 10 points from their opening nine matches. On just two occasions Tony Pulis's side have come away with a win, while three were lost and four were drawn. West Brom face a big test today as they face title contenders Manchester City, but given the Sky Blues' recent run of disappointing results and the fact that Pulis has signed a new deal, the Baggies may feel that they can make the most of City's weaker state.

Pep Guardiola is in uncomfortable territory as his team have not managed to win any of their last six games in all competitions. The North-West outfit remain at the top of the Premier League table, but that could change this weekend depending on the results around them. Both Arsenal and Liverpool are level on points (20) with City. Guardiola has also faced questions about his style of play, but judging from his reaction to those questions, he has no intention of adapting his philosophy.

Right, before we delve any deeper, let's bring you the lineups for both sides...

WEST BROM XI: Foster; Dawson, McAuley, Olsson, Nyom, Evans; Chadli, Fletcher, Brunt, McClean; Rondon
Subs: Myhill; Robson-kanu, Morrison, Gardner, Phillips, Galloway, Leko

MAN CITY XI: Bravo; Stones, Otamendi, Kolarov; Fernando, Fernandinho, Gundogan; Silva, Sterling, Nolito; Aguero
Subs: Caballero, Kompany, De Bruyne, Navas, Clichy, Iheanacho, A. Garcia

Pulis has made two changes to the team that were beaten 2-1 by Liverpool last weekend. Jonny Evans returns to the starting lineup after serving a one-match ban, while Chris Brunt returns from injury to make his 250th league appearance. Matt Phillips drops to the bench, while Claudio Yacob is suspended after picking up a fifth yellow card in his last outing.

As for City, the bad news is that Kevin De Bruyne does not start this afternoon following his calf injury, but the good news is that the Belgian is named on the bench. Overall, Pep Guardiola has made three changes to the side that drew with Southampton last weekend. Nicolas Otamendi is preferred in defence to Vincent Kompany, who drops to the bench. Fernando comes into the midfield to partner Fernandinho, while Nolito joins the attack. Leroy Sane, who started against the Saints, has not been included in the squad today.

There's only one place to start when talking about West Brom and that is with the news that Tony Pulis has signed a new deal at the club. The former Stoke City boss has penned a one-year extension, which will keep him at the club until the summer of 2018. There had been speculation over the 58-year-old's future, with some rumours suggesting that he was considering walking away due to the lack of transfer activity in the recent window.

However, Pulis has put those rumours to bed by signing fresh terms with the club, who were bought by a Chinese investment group in September. After putting pen to paper, Pulis told the club's official website:

"This is a time of great change at Albion and when that happens you need continuity. As I have said from the outset, I want to build things here and play my part in improving the club. You cannot do these things overnight but I do believe, step by step, we are making advances.

"I think the bulk of our fans understand the process we embarked upon under the shadow of relegation less than two years ago. We have a club which can aspire to be an established top ten member of the football league everyone in the world wants to be part of. I want to continue to front that challenge."

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The club's chairman John Williams added that deciding to extend Pulis's deal does not 'jeapordise the continuity' of the club "on and off the field". He also claimed that the manager brings "assurance and stability" to the Premier League outfit. Since being appointed boss in January 2015, Pulis has led the Baggies to 13th and 14th in the last two seasons in the top flight.

The news has prompted some mixed reactions, with some football fans mocking the announcement on social media, and some unhappy with the call.

Pulis gets another season to 'avoid relegation' - #WBA have to wake up and progress not just hold low-mid table every year — Greg Porter (@gporter8448) October 28, 2016

Willing to bet that crowds go below 20k at home next season. Killing the club, dividing fans, terrible decision #wba — Ross Moran (@RossMoran) October 28, 2016

Tony Pulis signs a new contract.

West Brom fans be like... pic.twitter.com/G1SU1xcQSC — showmethemoney (@smtm_LFC) October 28, 2016

Some of the fans may not be best pleased, but I'm sure Pulis and his team will try to use the announcement as motivation to go on a run of positive results. It was the perfect start to the campaign as the Baggies earned a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace in the opening weekend, but they failed to keep the momentum as they were beaten 2-1 by Everton the following week.

After a goalless draw with Middlesbrough and a 1-0 loss to Bournemouth, the Baggies earned a thrilling 4-2 win over West Ham United on home turf. Nacer Chadli, Salomon Rondon and James McClean put West Brom four goals to the good inside 57 minutes. Pulis's team took full advantage of West Ham's poor start to the season, and despite conceding two goals in six minutes, they managed to hold on to the advantage and take all three points.

That result gave the Baggies a much-needed boost and in the next round of fixtures Rondon managed to grab a late 1-1 draw with Stoke City in the 91st minute. West Brom recorded another 1-1 draw the following weekend, but they would have taken all three points had it not been for Patrick van Aanholt's 83rd-minute equaliser.

Next up was a tough encounter with Tottenham Hotspur, but the Baggies struck first as Chadli, who used to play for Spurs, netted what seemed to be the winner eight minutes from time. However, Mauricio Pochettino's side responded when Dele Alli struck in the 89th minute to grab a point. West Brom's four-match unbeaten league run came to an end last Saturday when Liverpool defeated them 2-1 at Anfield.

It was a poor display from Pulis's side for 80 minutes as they allowed Liverpool time and space on the ball. It was very comfortable for Jurgen Klopp's side as they went 2-0 up inside 35 minutes thanks to goals from Sadio Mane and Philippe Coutinho. The tide turned in the 81st minute, though, when Gareth McAuley struck after the Reds failed to deal with a corner. Confidence grew in the team, but they did not produce enough to nab a late equaliser.

West Brom are known for their stubbornness and ability to stop teams from finding a way through, and they are likely to set up that way against a free-flowing City side this afternoon. In terms of attack, the Baggies' strengths come from set pieces as seven of 10 of their league goals have been scored from free kicks or corners. However, they have only scored more than once in one of their last 19 top-flight fixtures.

DID YOU KNOW? No midfielder in the division has been involved in more league goals than Chadli, who has scored four and produced two assists. At the other end of the field, goalkeeper Ben Foster has saved 75.6% of shots faced in the league this season.

Right, let's turn our attention to Manchester City, shall we? Well, things have not gone quite to plan. Pep Guardiola's side stormed out of the gates by winning 10 consecutive games in all competitions, but it has gone downhill since their 3-1 victory over Swansea City on September 24. Since then, they have lost three and drawn three.

The first came in the Champions League when they were held to a 3-3 draw by Brendan Rodgers's Celtic in Glasgow. Guardiola's men came from behind three times, but could only settle for a point on the night. The Spanish boss wanted a response against Tottenham Hotspur, but they were convincingly beaten 2-0 by the North London outfit at White Hart Lane.

City struggled again when they welcomed Everton to the Etihad Stadium the following week. Romelu Lukaku put the Toffees ahead in the 64th minute, and Nolito struck eight minutes later to salvage a point for the two-time Premier League champions. Another test swiftly followed as Guardiola faced his former club Barcelona at the Camp Nou in the Champions League.

It was not the most enjoyable reunion for the manager, though, as he witnessed his team get hammered 4-0 by Barcelona, who in truth were not even at their best. Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick and Neymar rounded off the win one minute from time. On top of that, City also had to play 37 minutes with 10 men after goalkeeper Claudio Bravo was sent off for making a blunder while trying to play the ball out from the back.

The display against Barca, sparked questions over Guardiola's style of play and questioned whether he should adapt his style depending on the opponent. The Spaniard was stern in his response to journalists, though, as he suggested that he would sooner quit his job than change his philosophy.

Last week he told reporters:" I think about that, yes, but after that the solution is not better than what I believe. So I cannot. Do you know why? Because in seven years I won 21 titles. So it's three titles per year playing in that way.

"But if you believe I arrive here and in three months everything is going well and I'm going to win in the Camp Nou 0-4, I'm going to dominate against Messi and Luis Suarez, and Neymar is going to create nothing, and Iniesta isn't going to play good, no.

"I'm good, but it's not enough! No, I'm not going to change. If it's not going well in the future, if next season isn't going well in that way, I will go home. So, it doesn't change."

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After his frustrated reaction to reporters questioning his methods, Guardiola's failed to respond positively on the pitch as they were forced to settle for another point in the Premier League. Nathan Redmond nudged Southampton ahead in last weekend's clash at the Etihad Stadium, but Kelechi Iheanacho managed to rescue a 1-1 draw for City.

More unwelcome results came the club's way when they were beaten 1-0 by fierce rivals Manchester United in the fourth round of the EFL Cup. It has to be said that Guardiola rotated his team for the match, but they failed to progress as they were undone by Juan Mata's 54th-minute goal. Not only did they lose to one of their biggest rivals, they were knocked out of a competition that they won last season.

Guardiola has also faced questions about Sergio Aguero's future this week. After the Argentine was left on the bench against Barcelona, there were rumours that the striker has failed to gel with Guardiola, which in turn sparked rumours about his long-term future at the Etihad.

In a bid to dispel the rumours, Guardiola told reporters: "I want to say I am so happy with Sergio, and hopefully he stays here a long time. I hope, from deep in my heart, that Sergio will stay here. I know the strikers depend on the moments, sometimes they're good, but we cannot forget how many goals he has scored for us."

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STATS! Speaking of Aguero, the Argentine has failed to score in his last eight matches for club and country. It's a stark contrast to the start of the campaign when he scored 11 goals in his first six appearances. When it comes to West Brom, though, Aguero has netted five times in the eight times that he has faced them. It's worth nothing that just one of those goals was scored at The Hawthorns.

Interestingly, City have had more touches (369) in the opposition box than any other Premier League team this season. Considering that West Brom tend to go out to stifle their opponents, they will be hoping that City's figure does not rise.

HEAD TO HEAD: City have a very strong record against West Brom having their last nine Premier League matches against the club. The last time that the Baggies managed to claim a win over City in December 2008 when they earned a 2-1 triumph at home.

PREDICTION: City may not be on the best of runs at the moment and the Baggies are likely to try to stifle Guardiola's men this afternoon. However, the visiting side have enough quality to get a much-needed win, and that's what I see them doing today. 2-0 to City.

Both sets of players are in the tunnel and are ready to make their way out onto the pitch. We're moments away from kickoff!

KICKOFF! West Brom get us underway at The Hawthorns? Will City get back to winning ways or will the Baggies cause an upset this afternoon? Let's find out! Lee Mason is the referee for this one.

Interestingly, Guardiola has set up with Fernando as right-back. When the lineups were announced it was assumed that Stones, Otamendi and Kolarov were forming back three, but the midfielder has dropped into the defence.

CHANCE! An early opportunity for the hosts as Rondon cuts the ball back for Chadli, who tries to curl the ball into the back of the net, but it sneaks over the bar.

SAVE! At the other end, City come close themselves when Sterling swings the ball towards goal and the ball looks as though it's going to drop inside the back post, but Foster makes the save.

Fernandinho sends a long ball forward after spotting Aguero's run, but the ball is overhit and Foster comfortably gathers.

As expected, West Brom are sitting very deep, trying to prevent City from finding their way through. Pulis's side are likely to adopt this method for the entire match and hope to catch City on the break.

City have the ball in the net... but it's disallowed for offside. A tidy move from the visitors begins with Fernandinho, who lofts the ball forward for Aguero. The Argentine passes to Nolito for a tap in, but Aguero was in an offside position when the ball was played.

Gundogan tries to feed in Fernando down the right channel, but his pass gets away from the midfielder and he ends up heading behind for a goal kick.

Great block from McAuley! Sterling delivers into a low cross into the box searching for Aguero at the back post, but the West Brom defender crucially intercepts.

BOOKINGS! Nolito receives the first yellow card of the game but it could easily have been a red! The City forward appears to headbutt Dawson in a tussle, but referee Lee Mason opts to just give him a caution. Dawson also gets a yellow for clipping Nolito's heels.

SAVE! Dawson's clearance drops to Sterling's feet on the edge of the box. The England international hits a first-time volley, but Foster palms the ball away from the bottom corner.

CHANCE! The pressure keeps on coming from City and it's Nolito who finds Stones from the corner and the defender strikes after taking a touch, but the ball falls wide.

Aguero ends his recent goal drought by striking against the Baggies! The Argentine puts City ahead after picking up the ball from Gundogan's pass down the right channel. Aguero gets in behind the defence before thumping the ball past Foster and into the bottom corner.

BOOKING! Olsson gets cautioned for bringing down the goalscorer. West Brom need to regroup or they could be in danger of conceding plenty more this afternoon.

SAVE! City keep on attacking and this time it's Fernandinho who tries his luck. The midfielder shoots from distance, but Foster manages to stop the ball from sneaking into the top corner.

Aguero scored his 149th goal for City! I don't think Guardiola will be leaving the striker out of lineups any time soon... The ball drops to Aguero after West Brom intercept Silva's ball to Gundogan. The forward cuts to his right before drilling the ball into the top corner. Very easy on the eye!

City are on a rampage now! They win a free kick following a foul on Kolarov. Gundogan takes the set piece, but his effort smashes into the wall. West Brom are struggling to get out of their own half.

Aguero, who keeps drifting out to the flanks, aims the ball towards Gundogan on the edge of the penalty area, but Chadli tracks back to intercept.

Some scrappy defending from West Brom as McAuley tries to nod the ball back to Foster to prevent Sterling from sneaking in behind, but he sends it out of play.

There seems to be some concern for Silva as he has gone over to the physio a few times with a problem to his left leg. The Spaniard stays on the pitch, but it remains to be seen whether the playmaker will come out for the second half.

Perhaps Silva's injury isn't that bad... the Spaniard commits himself in a crunching tackle with Dawson. Just before that, the West Brom defender delivered a low cross into the box, which went straight into Kolarov's legs.

West Brom have a few minutes on the frontfoot and two crosses come in for Rondon, but Stones manages to head clear on both occasions.

The fourth official indicates two minutes of added time. The half-time whistle can't come quick enough for West Brom!

It looks as though Manchester City are on course to get back to winning ways as they head into the half-time interval with a 2-0 lead over West Brom. Pep Guardiola's side headed into the clash on the back of a winless run in their last six matches in all competitions. Sergio Aguero, whose future was called into question after he was named on the bench against Barcelona in the Champions League, has been the difference as he scored both goals at The Hawthorns. City have completely dominated the opening 45 minutes, with the Baggies struggling to get out of their own half. Can Tony Pulis's side turn it around after the break? We'll find out shortly!

RESTART! City get the second half underway!

Silva unleashes a powerful shot from the edge of the box with his left foot, but Nolito gets in the way and it deflects off him and drops wide.

Aguero and Silva exchange intricate passes in West Brom's half and the move ends with Aguero firing, but Evans makes a decent block.

Aguero shows his pace as he darts in between West Brom defenders and gets ready to shoot, but slips over after being challenge from Olsson. Nothing given from the referee, though.

WEST BROM SUB: Pulis makes his first change of the match as Fletcher makes way for Leko, and Olsson comes off for Morrison.

Oh dear, Nolito needs to work on his positioning! Gundogan goes for goal, but it gets blocked by Nolito and the ball ends up bobbling wide of the post - just inches from the bottom corner!

BOOKING! Morrison has only been on the pitch a matter of minutes and he's already gone in the book. The midfielder gets punished for a challenge on Stones.

CHANCE! A rare opportunity for West Brom! Brunt sends the ball over the top, which prompts Bravo to come off his line. Rondon gets to the ball first and directs a header at goal, but he aims it wide.

BOOKING! Another yellow card for West Brom as McClean is booked for dissent after fouling Fernando. The midfielder will now miss the Baggies' next game against Leicester.

A worrying clearance from City as Stones and Fernandinho scrap to get the ball away following a low cross from Nyom.

BOOKING! Some more yellow cards! This time its Kolarov who gets penalised.

A sliding tackle from Otamendi breaks down a decent move from Brunt and Chadli, who had McClean in their sights.

City break with Aguero, who feeds in Sterling. The England international goes for glory himself, but his attempt is deflected behind for a corner, which comes to nothing.

West Brom have an opportunity to counter-attack from the corner and they do so as the ball ends up at Chadli's feet. He aims towards the target from 25 yards out, but his attempt goes wide.

MAN CITY SUB: Guardiola makes his first change of the game as De Bruyne replaces Nolito.

CHANCE! De Bruyne makes an early impact as he shoots the ball across the face of goal. Aguero picks it up at the back post and copies De Bruyne's effort. Dawson deflects it towards Sterling, who shoots over the bar from 12 yards.

CHANCE! What an opportunity for West Brom! McClean picks out Rondon after charging down the left-hand side. The forward had Leko just behind him but he goes for goal himself and shoots wide.

BOOKING! Another booking as Fernando is given a yellow card for bringing down McClean.

MAN CITY SUB: It's the end of Sterling's afternoon as he makes way for Navas.

It's safe to say that City have put the game to bed! Gundogan sends the ball into the back of net after getting on the end of Aguero's reverse pass. It was great work from the Argentine, who cut across the face of goal before lifting the ball high for his teammate.

MAN CITY SUB: The visitors make their final change as Garcia comes on for Silva.

OFF THE POST! Leko cuts the ball back to McAuley after making his way into the box. The defender shoots low and manages to get past Bravo, but the ball clatters off the post.

WEST BROM SUB: A final change from the hosts as Robson-Kanu comes on for Chadli.

Gundogan gets his third goal for City and fourth on the day after slotting home from 10 yards out. De Bruyne began the move as he found space on the left before cutting inside and finding his teammate. Lovely finish from the German international.

So, there we have it, Manchester City get back to winning ways with a 4-0 win over West Brom. Sergio Aguero wiped away any doubts from his manager Pep Guardiola by scoring twice, while Ilkay Gundogan contributed with two goals of his own. The result puts City back on top in the table for the time being, while the Baggies are 15th, three points above the relegation zone. Thank you for joining us, and until next time, goodbye!