West Ham United return to Premier League action as they host Manchester City. The Hammers can get out of the bottom three with a win but Saturday’s opposition offer a huge challenge, especially without to now-injured Crysencio Summerville.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s team head into this game on the back of a dramatic win over Brentford. The Irons made a number of changes but still performed well, even if the Bees did take them all the way to penalties.
Despite playing 120 minutes on Monday night, West Ham kept their momentum going from their 1-0 win over Fulham. That result took them level with Nottingham Forest in 17th, who drew 2-2 with Saturday’s opponents, Manchester City.
Manchester City’s season is at a crossroads. The draw with Forest leaves them needing Premier League points in the title race. City did bounce back at the weekend, beating Newcastle United in the FA Cup but then fell short against Real Madrid, losing 3-0.
With the Cityzens having played more games, the Hammers will be hoping a tired side turns up in London to play an in-form side, in a hostile environment.
Key Statistics
- West Ham currently sit 18th, five points below their expected xG position.
- Manchester City are unbeaten in their last 11 Premier League games.
- West Ham have conceded seven goals in their last five matches in all competitions, with five of those coming in one game.
- Manchester City’s Erling Haaland tops the Premier League goal scoring charts, with 22 goals this campaign.
- West Ham’s Axel Disasi has secured four clean sheets in seven fixtures since joining the club in January.
- Manchester City have scored eight goals in their last five games in all competitions.
Prediction
Here, a handful of our writers give their prediction for the game…
Matt Bottomley
“West Ham United are on a wave at the right time of the season. Nuno rang the changes on Monday night and it did not change the outcome. The Hammers head into this game full of confidence, rightly, but the team will need to show the defensive resilience they have in recent games, to pick up any points.
“Manchester City need to find form if they want to continue fighting on all fronts this season. City looked tired in Madrid on Wednesday night and West Ham will hope that continues, and they don’t take out that loss on the Hammers on Saturday night.
“West Ham will put up a hell of fight and as long as Manchester City don’t score early on, it will be a piece of quality that wins this game.”
Prediction: West Ham 0-1 Manchester City
