Having collected just five points from their last four outings, the destination of the Premier League title is no longer in Manchester City's hands.
However, with leaders Liverpool still to face Chelsea and the in-form Crystal Palace, there is bound to be a belief among the Man City players that the trophy that they lifted in such dramatic circumstances back in 2012 is not beyond them just yet.
It's likely, though, that to stand any chance of finishing top come the final day of the campaign, the Citizens must win their remaining five encounters, starting with Monday evening's home match against West Bromwich Albion.
In terms of personnel, playmaker David Silva has been tipped to return to the starting lineup after he was rested for the 2-2 draw with Sunderland, while captain Vincent Kompany and striker Sergio Aguero should feature despite recent fitness concerns.
Yet, the game has come too soon for Yaya Toure and Jesus Navas, who are struggling with knocks. In their absence, Javi Garcia and James Milner could deputise.
Like their hosts, the visiting Baggies also require the victory, albeit for very different reasons. Pepe Mel's charges make the trip to the Etihad Stadium with just three points separating themselves from the relegation zone.
James Morrison and Jonas Olsson have been hampered of late with ankle and Achilles complaints respectively, but both are in contention to start having trained over recent days.
West Brom have never won at the Etihad Stadium, with their last away triumph at City coming at Maine Road back in February 2003 when goals from Neil Clement and Darren Moore sealed a 2-1 victory for the Midlanders.
Recent form
Man City: WWDWLD
West Brom: LWLDWD
Possible starting lineups
Man City: Hart; Zabaleta, Kompany, Demichelis, Kolarov; Garcia, Fernandinho; Milner, Silva, Nasri; Aguero
West Brom: Foster; Reid, McAuley, Olsson, Ridgewell; Amalfitano, Mulumbu, Brunt, Morrison, Sessegnon; Vydra
Sports Mole says: 2-0
Liam Apicella
