On Saturday afternoon at the London Stadium, West Ham United will host the defending champions, Manchester City. This matchup will pit two unbeaten Premier League teams currently ranked inside the top four against one another.
The Hammers are looking to win their fourth straight league game for the first time in almost two years, while the Citizens are attempting to keep their perfect record in the Premier League and hold onto first place in the standings.
West Ham has enjoyed a strong start to the new Premier League season, earning 10 of a possible 12 points in their first four games. This is despite the fact that they are still riding high after their Europa Conference League victory in June.
The objective for West Ham is to keep their undefeated streak alive, but this will surely be tested against a Man City squad, who they have lost to 12 times in their last 15 meetings, with the other three games all finishing in draws. The only other team in division history to have gone longer than the Hammers without defeating a rival is Manchester United.
As they have failed to do so in their last 7 competitive games across all competitions and have conceded at least two goals in seven of their previous eight league encounters with Guardiola’s club, it may also be challenging for Moyes’ men to keep the Citizens scoreless.
The Catalan manager will be eager to return to the dugout on Saturday after watching the last two games in Barcelona under the guidance of assistant coach Juanma Lillo following a successful back operation. Guardiola will have been thrilled to see his team maintain their perfect start to the new season.
Man City, like West Ham, is attempting to balance domestic obligations with the return of European football. They have five games to prepare for in the next 14 days before the month of October begins.
Before facing Red Star Belgrade in their first Champions League group match since winning the competition in June, the Citizens will try to make it five Premier League victories in a row as they face a West Ham team that has been defeated in each of their last eight away games without losing, including a 2-0 victory on the season’s opening day.
Team News- West Ham United
Vladimir Coufal of West Ham is questionable after suffering a “small” injury while on international duty, so Thilo Kehrer or Ben Johnson may start at right back. Summer signing Konstantinos Mavropanos, who had been dealing with a back problem, may also be able to make his debut at centre back, though Zouma and Nayef Aguerd are expected to keep their spots on Saturday.
Despite reports of an injury, James Ward-Prowse has been seen working out. The dead-ball expert should stay in centre midfield alongside either Edson Alvarez or Tomas Soucek, who was sidelined with a concussion but is now eligible to play.
Mohammed Kudus may start once more as a substitute in place of Lucas Paqueta, who was heavily linked to a summer move to Manchester City. Michail Antonio will likely start in place of Danny Ings up front. Mohammed Kudus was expected to play in the No. 10 position between the wingers Bowen and Said Benrahma.
Team News- Manchester City
Despite the absence of Kevin De Bruyne (hamstring) and John Stones, Jack Grealish, Mateo Kovacic, and Mateo Kovacic, both Ake and Haaland, who made his Premier League debut at the London Stadium last season and scored twice there, are available after recovering from injuries sustained while on international duty.
In place of Kovacic, Matheus Nunes might make his full midfield debut alongside Rodri, however Kalvin Phillips, who started for England on Tuesday, will also be vying for a spot in Guardiola’s starting lineup.
Prediction-
West Ham United 0-3 Manchester City
Date –16th September, 2023
Time – 2pm GMT
Venue – London Stadium
