West Brom expect tough test from Manchester City – whatever side they put out

The Baggies welcome the early Premier League pace-setters expecting a much-changed side to the one that thumped Watford 6-0 on Saturday.

But Pulis knows Pep Guardiola's XI will still be packed with quality.

“They have players who can play at the top level – from 1-24 they are really top-class players,” he said. “If he makes a few changes, the players coming in will still be exceptional players, so we’ll have to be right on it.

“The pressure is off in some respects because nobody expects us to win, but we certainly believe we can put a performance in and if we can get the breaks then hopefully get the result we need.

“The two cup competitions this year we really want to do well in. We’ve got a home tie, irrespective of who it’s against it’s up to us to take it to them and give it to the best to them.

“Home ties are the first thing you hope for, you don’t want to be drawn away.

"To get City I think was obviously a tough game – as soon as it was called it was going to be a tough game because of the depth of quality.

"Kompany’s been injured, there’s talk they might play Kompany who is a world-class player.

“And that’s just naming one. They are an exceptionally strong club in respect of depth so it’s going to be a tough game, but an enjoyable one.

"It will be a great game I’m sure for the supporters.”

Albion have disappointed in their last two Premier League games – against Brighton and West Ham – but were the favourites for those, wheras tonight they will very much be the underdog.

“I don’t think we’ve got anything to lose,” said Pulis. “I think City are on fire at the moment and everybody will expect them to be close to winning the Premier League title this year.

“It will be a tough game but we’ll put out a strong team and going to have a go at it and give it the best we’ve got.”