Man City v West Ham – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Man City face West Ham in the English Premier League on Sunday. Pep Guardiola’s side knows that a win will seal a sixth title in the last seven seasons. The Hammers have already finished ninth and have nothing to play for besides pride.

Man City Form

City’s last 20 league matches have seen 17 wins and three draws. They’ve won eight on the bounce in the Premier League and have responded excellently to a disappointing loss on penalties to Real Madrid in the Champions League. They beat Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley to reach the FA Cup final.

A convincing 4-0 win followed away at Brighton before doing just enough to win 2-0 at Nottingham Forest. They’ve since let loose a bit by thrashing Wolves 5-1 and making light work of an unmotivated Fulham by winning 4-0 at Craven Cottage. In midweek, they were focused and won 2-0 away at Tottenham despite allowing four ‘big chances’.

Man City Team News

Ederson was taken off in midweek with an eye issue and may not play in this one. Stefan Ortega is set to deputise after excelling against Spurs. Kevin De Bruyne is a slight doubt after a kick to his Achilles, but he should be able to play.

Nathan Ake and John Stones may be left on the bench again after recent fitness and injury issues. Jack Grealish is available after illness but won’t start. Mateo Kovacic could again be preferred to exciting winger Jeremy Doku.

Man City Motivation

City just needs a win here. Guardiola will look to control the match with possession and enough men to cover counter attacks. A safer team selection without Doku is expected.

Goal difference has no factor in the title race now so a 2-0 win here will do just fine.

West Ham Form

West Ham’s last 11 matches have seen just two wins. David Moyes’ departure has been officially confirmed after a calendar year with just five wins in 24 matches in all competitions. After beating Wolves 2-1, they lost 2-0 away to Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League.

After losing 2-0 at home to Fulham, they could only draw 1-1 vs Leverkusen to exit European competition. A 5-2 loss at Crystal Palace and a 6-0 humiliation at Chelsea came either side of a 2-2 home draw vs Liverpool. Last weekend, the Hammers beat injury-hit Luton 3-1 with 3.17 xG.

West Ham Team News

Kalvin Phillips is unable to face his parent club and he is injured anyway. There are still doubts over Nayef Aguerd and Konstantinos Mavropanos at centre back with Angelo Ogbonna set to cover.

Edson Alvarez could be left on the bench here again with James Ward-Prowse back in the XI. Attacking midfielder George Earthy scored as a sub vs Luton but will remain on the bench.

West Ham Motivation

West Ham can’t move up or down the league table. Their only motivation is pride and to give Moyes a good send-off.

They won’t want to be thrashed and may not be eager to hand the title to their rivals Arsenal.

Key Stats

Man City have won 17 of their last 20 league matches (3 draws)

Man City have kept 5 clean sheets in their last 6 matches

City have won their last 7 home league matches vs West Ham

West Ham have won just twice in 11 matches in all competitions

West Ham have conceded 21 goals in their last 7 EPL matches

Verdict

Guardiola’s side will be laser-focused to get the three points. West Ham are leaky at the back to a defeat by more than two goals is quite possible. Finding value for this match won’t be easy.

Best Bet: Man City win to zero at 2.00

Alternate Bet: Man City win (-2 handicap) at 1.76

Goalscorer Tips: Haaland first goalscorer at 2.90 or Haaland to score 2 or more goals at 2.35

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis