Manchester City vs West Ham United: Preview & Prediction

Manchester City have, so far, lived up to expectations under new manager Pep Guardiola, however will face a tougher test than previously as the Hammers visit the Etihad on Sunday.

A strong opening day win over Sunderland was matched with a 4-1 thrashing of Stoke last week, whereby Sergio Aguero and new signing Nolito were amongst the goals.

It will be an intriguing battle this season in Manchester as Guardiola will look to keep pace with Premier League proven Jose Mourinho and his star-studded Manchester United team.

With both teams on a maximum of six points, them seem to be most people’s favourites for title-contenders this year.

Slaven Bilic’s mean will be looking to bounce back in the league after their shock Europa League exit to Romanian side Astra Giurgiu on Thursday.

Domestically, they will be looking to build upon their 1-0 win over Bournemouth at the new London Stadium to continue their top-half ambitions in the Premier League this season.

Man City striker Sergio Aguero already has six goals in all competitions so far this season – Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

Team News:

City defender Bacary Sagna missed the midweek Champions League fixture with a slight knock but should be fit, while Vincent Kompany looks set to miss out once again having still not recovered from a thigh injury.

Kelechi Iheanacho will also be on the sidelines after being stretchered off on Wednesday, with Yaya Toure also not set to feature due to a lack of match fitness.

West Ham’s star man Dimitri Payet failed a fitness test for last week’s tie with Bournemouth, but should be back from a knock this weekend.

Elsewhere, Andre Ayew and Andy Carroll face a few weeks on the sidelines after injuries in the opening games got the better of them.

Finally, new signing Sofiane Feghouli doesn’t look to feature after a hamstring problem has kept him out so far this season.

League Positions: Manchester City – 1st; West Ham – 10th
Last Meeting: West Ham 2-2 Manchester City (January 23, 2016)
League Form: Manchester City – DWWWW; West Ham – LWLDW
Key Men: Manchester City – Sergio Aguero; West Ham – Mark Noble
Shoot Says: Manchester City 2-0 West Ham