West Ham vs Manchester City Preview, Predictions, and Team News

livestream West Ham vs Manchester City score808

Aug 31, 2024 - 01:38
Aug 31, 2024 - 10:44
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Live stream West Ham vs Manchester City

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Date: August 31, 2024
Time: 5:30 PM UK
Venue: London Stadium

Introduction

The third week of the Premier League sees a thrilling encounter as reigning champions Manchester City visit the London Stadium to take on West Ham United. City, aiming to maintain their 100% start to the season, face a Hammers side that has shown signs of improvement under new manager Julen Lopetegui. Both teams have high stakes riding on this match, with City looking to assert their dominance and West Ham eager to prove they can challenge the big boys.

Match Preview

West Ham's season began on a shaky note with a 2-1 loss to Aston Villa, but Lopetegui's men quickly bounced back with a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace. Tomas Soucek and captain Jarrod Bowen led the charge, helping the Hammers secure their first Premier League clean sheet since January. The win was followed by a narrow 1-0 victory against Bournemouth in the EFL Cup, though the result was somewhat controversial due to a potential handball in the buildup to the goal.

Lopetegui's task is daunting: West Ham has not beaten Manchester City in their last 17 Premier League meetings, a record dating back to September 2015. However, with a rejuvenated squad and a home crowd behind them, the Hammers will hope to turn the tide.

Manchester City, on the other hand, have been characteristically ruthless. After securing the Community Shield, City has won their first two league games, scoring six goals and conceding just one. Erling Haaland, the Premier League's top scorer for the past two seasons, has already netted four goals, including a hat-trick in City's 4-1 demolition of Ipswich Town.

City's impressive run of form extends beyond just this season. They have not lost any of their last 46 home matches in all competitions and have an incredible record of winning by two or more goals in their last 11 Premier League games. Furthermore, City boasts a formidable away record against West Ham, losing just once in their last 14 league visits to the Hammers.

Team News

West Ham United:
Lopetegui has some selection headaches, particularly with left-back Aaron Cresswell, who is nursing a hamstring injury. Edson Alvarez, who made his first start in midweek, is likely to keep his place in the lineup. Tomas Soucek, Guido Rodriguez, and James Ward-Prowse will compete for midfield spots. Aaron Wan-Bissaka could shift to right-back, making way for Emerson Palmieri at left-back, while Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Paqueta, and Michail Antonio are all in contention for starting roles.

Manchester City:
City has a few injury concerns of their own. Oscar Bobb is out for several months following surgery on a fractured leg, and Rodri remains a fitness doubt but has returned to training. Phil Foden missed the Ipswich game due to illness but is expected to be fit for Saturday's clash, as is Mateo Kovacic. In defense, Kyle Walker and John Stones will be pushing for starts, but Guardiola may opt to stick with the back four that has served him well so far.

Predicted Lineups

West Ham United:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
GK: Alphonse Areola
Defense: Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Emerson
Midfield: Alvarez, Soucek
Attack: Bowen, Paqueta, Kudus; Antonio

Manchester City:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
GK: Ederson
Defense: Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol
Midfield: Kovacic, Bernardo Silva
Attack: Savinho, De Bruyne, Doku; Haaland

Prediction

West Ham will be hoping to pull off an upset, but history and current form suggest a different outcome. City has been a scoring machine against West Ham, particularly at the London Stadium, where they've netted 25 goals since its opening. While West Ham's attackers may pose a threat, it's difficult to see them outscoring a City side that is firing on all cylinders.

Prediction: West Ham United 1-3 Manchester City

City’s dominance in this fixture, combined with their recent form, makes them strong favorites to take all three points. Expect Haaland and company to continue their impressive run with another commanding performance in the capital.