Tears have been a recurring theme in Manchester City's Premier League title race collapse
and on Wednesday evening they will aim to avoid any more emotional moments when hosting West Brom.
City fan John Millington was pictured seemingly turning on the water works after the momentum-shifting defeat by Swansea in March, although he later denied he was sobbing at the Liberty Stadium.
But England defender Micah Richards has been less embarrassed to admit he has wanted to cry since defending champions Manchester United overtook City and opened an eight-point lead at the top of the table.
In fact, should City lose to West Brom and then on Saturday suffer defeat to Norwich at Carrow Road, United would regain their league crown if they pick up victories at Wigan, also on Wednesday, and then at the weekend collect another three points against Aston Villa.
It has been a monumental collapse from Roberto Mancini's City after initially remaining unbeaten in the Premier League until mid-December and Mario Balotelli's antics and the departure and eventual return of Carlos Tevez are just some of the reasons.
Sunday's defeat at Arsenal was the latest setback and West Brom will kick-off at Etihad Stadium with the hope of piling more misery on City, especially with Roy Hodgson refusing to allow his players to relax despite as good as securing top-flight football for another season.
A 3-0 success against beleaguered Blackburn on Saturday moved the Baggies onto 39 points and they are 11 points clear of the drop zone with six games left to play, with a top-half finish still not completely unachievable.
But City have been a force to be reckoned with at the Etihad in the league before their last home outing against Sunderland saw them drop points for the first time this season.
City, who have scored two or more goals against all but one of their last 17 visitors, are expected to be without Yaya Toure
against West Brom, but the Ivorian is expected to return to face Norwich.
against West Brom, but the Ivorian is expected to return to face Norwich.
The midfielder hobbled out of City's defeat by Arsenal last Sunday with a knee injury after just 15 minutes.
But there is better news on David Silva, who was forced to sit out last weekend's trip to Emirates Stadium, and Mancini expects the Spaniard to face the Baggies.
Balotelli is suspended after his red card against Arsenal, but the controversial Italian avoided further punishment after the Football Association decided not to act on his studs-up challenge on Alex Song.
decided not to act on his studs-up challenge on Alex Song.
Hodgson, who has been full of praise for City, will be without captain and midfielder Chris Brunt and left-back Liam Ridgewell due to knee problems.
Paul Scharner and Nicky Shorey will be in contention to replace the duo.
and Nicky Shorey will be in contention to replace the duo.