West Ham will be hoping to hang on to their top four spot this weekend, as Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off will see them travel to the Etihad Stadium to face league leaders, Manchester City.
The encounter certainly doesn’t promise to be an easy one for the Hammers but their recent results of late, especially against the top sides, should boost their confidence.
Last time out, West Ham claimed Derby day bragging rights as they dug deep to overcome Tottenham Hotspur, at the London Stadium. Goals from Michail Antonio and Jesse Lingard were enough to send them into the top four with a 2-0 win.
Manchester City come into the game in a rich vein of form, with 19 consecutive wins in all competitions. In the league, the most recent of these victories came with a 1-0 away win against Arsenal.
After cruising to victory against the north London side, City should expect a much sterner task ahead against West Ham.
Team News
The Hammers should have no absentees to report ahead of their trip.
Czech duo, Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal, both sustained nasty blows last weekend against Spurs. As both players finished the game, the pair are likely to be passed fit.
The in-form Jesse Lingard will be hoping to continue his impressive start in east London, as he returns to his home city and rivals to his parent club, Manchester United.
Manchester City will be boosted by the recent return of Kevin De Bruyne.
After coming through their midweek Champions League tie unscathed, Pep Guardiola will be pleased have an almost full squad for contention.
John Stones and Ruben Dias are set to retain their places at the core of a largely faultless City defence, who have conceded the least number of league goals this season (15).
Nathan Ake (muscular) is nearing full fitness but remains a long-term absentee.
Game Plan
West Ham are expected to field the same side which produced a resolute performance against Spurs. Hammers’ mainstays, Declan Rice and Aaron Cresswell will need to be at the top of their game if their side is to maintain their points cushion ahead of Chelsea.
In the reverse fixture back in October, West Ham did enough to earn a 1-1 draw against City. It was a game where City had to fight back, after initially trailing.
On that day, West Ham showed just how stubborn they can be in defence. If they are to return to the capital with any points on Saturday, they will need to replicate another dogged defensive display.
Predicted Line-ups
Manchester City: Ederson; Cancelo, Dias, Stones, Zinchenko; Rodrigo, Gundogan, De Bruyne; Mahrez, Bernardo, Sterling
West Ham: Fabianski; Coufal, Dawson, Diop, Cresswell; Soucek, Rice; Bowen, Fornals, Lingard; Antonio
Where to Watch
To see how West Ham fare, the game will be live on BT Sport, kick-off at 12:30pm.
