West Ham United face a difficult clash with Premier League title holders Manchester City on Sunday afternoon as they look to end their derisory run of six league games without a win and picking up just 11 points since October.
Second Half Woes
A poor defensive display in the second half saw the Hammers throw away a 2-0 lead at home to Brighton on Saturday, drawing 3-3 after two late goals from Pascal Gross and Glenn Murray – following a lengthy VAR check.
The result sends them into the relegation zone for the first time this season, as David Moyes hunts for just his second league win back as manager since his rehiring at the end of December.
Drop Zone
Speaking to BBC Sport after the game, Moyes said: “I’m angry and the players know I’m disappointed.
“In the main we were very good but for a couple of really silly mistakes. We offered a threat, as did they. The performance was good, but it’s tarnished by a couple of mistakes.”
Whilst a point could potentially take them out of the drop zone, the Hammers recent form would forgive those who are feeling disheartened at the prospect of taking the game to Pep Guardiola’s side, currently sitting 2nd in the table.
Bounce Back
City will be looking to pick themselves up after last weekend’s 2-0 away loss to Tottenham Hotspur, however their title hunt is all but over as Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the table to 22 points.
Goals from new boy Steven Bergwijn and Heung-Min Son were enough to put away 10-man City after Oleksandr Zinchenko’s sending off in the 63rd minute.
Team News
West Ham forwards Felipe Anderson and Andriy Yarmolenko will miss the trip through injury, giving Moyes a big knock back for his attacking options. Jack Wilshere’s long-term groin injury means he will also not feature against the league champions.
Man City’s Zinchenko will be suspended for the match and Raheem Sterling is still being monitored after picking up a knock over the weekend. However, Aymeric Laporte and Benjamin Mendy have resumed full training and could be in contention to make their first starts back after three games.
Previous Meetings
City have taken maximum points from the last seven league games against West Ham, with the Claret’s last win against them coming in September 2015.
