Manchester City welcome West Ham United to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, knowing a win will take them to the top of the Premier League table, at least temporarily.
Impressively, Pep Guardiola’s side remain unbeaten in their last 46 home games against teams starting the day in the relegation zone. Therefore, confidence runs high against the struggling Hammers. Recently, the champions proved ruthless in this fixture.
In fact, they scored at least three goals in each of their last five meetings with West Ham. Consequently, City look to continue that trend and pile more misery on their relegation-threatened opponents since Erling Haaland leads the line.
Manchester City team news
Likely, Pep Guardiola will recall his key players after rotating the squad in the Carabao Cup. However, injuries and international duty stretch the squad. Unfortunately, Oscar Bobb became the latest casualty due to a hamstring injury. Now, he joins key midfielder Rodri and defender John Stones on the sidelines.
Furthermore, Omar Marmoush and Rayan Aït-Nouri left for the Africa Cup of Nations. Potentially, this could hand an opportunity to youngster Nico O’Reilly in defence. In midfield, Rayan Cherki expects to start in the number 10 role. Remarkably, the playmaker proved a creative force at the Etihad as he boasts the best assist-per-minute ratio in the stadium’s history for players with significant minutes.
Manchester City predicted Lineup
Manchester City predicted XI: Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; González; Bernardo, Reijnders, Cherki, Foden; Haaland
When will the match kick off?
The Premier League fixture takes place at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, 20 December 2025. The kick-off is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. GMT.
How to watch Manchester City vs West Ham United?
This match will not be broadcast live in the UK due to the 3:00 pm blackout on Saturdays. Highlights will be available on the BBC’s Match of the Day.
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