Manchester City aim to pile the pressure on Premier League leaders Arsenal when they welcome West Ham United to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Pep Guardiola’s side are in ominous form. They have won 10 of their last 12 matches across all competitions. Furthermore, a 2-0 Carabao Cup victory over Brentford in midweek booked their place in the semi-finals. They face a West Ham side languishing in 18th place.
The Hammers are three points adrift of safety after a 3-2 home defeat to Aston Villa last weekend. A win for City would temporarily take them to the summit of the table. Conversely, defeat for the visitors would guarantee they spend Christmas in the relegation zone.
Manchester City vs West Ham United – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Saturday, 20 December 2025
- Kick-off: 3:00 pm GMT
- Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
- Referee: Paul Tierney
- VAR: Alex Chilowicz
- Last Meeting: Manchester City 4-1 West Ham United, 4 January 2025, Premier League
Team News
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola is set to revert to his strongest XI after rotating for the midweek cup win. However, he faces fresh injury concerns. Oscar Bobb tweaked his hamstring against Brentford and joins Rodri, Mateo Kovačić, Jérémy Doku, and John Stones in a crowded treatment room. Additionally, Omar Marmoush and Rayan Aït-Nouri have departed for the Africa Cup of Nations. Erling Haaland will lead the line, looking to add to his nine Premier League goals against the Hammers.
West Ham United
Nuno Espírito Santo has been dealt a double blow ahead of the trip north. Defenders Aaron Wan-Bissaka and El Hadji Malick Diouf are unavailable as they head to the Africa Cup of Nations. In their absence, Nuno may switch to a back five. Kyle Walker-Peters and youngster Ollie Scarles are in contention to start as wing-backs. In attack, Niclas Füllkrug has returned to training but may have to settle for a place on the bench.
Form
Manchester City
City have turned the Etihad into a fortress once again. Since the start of April, they have won the most home games and points in the Premier League. History suggests a comfortable afternoon for the hosts. City are unbeaten in their last 19 Premier League games against West Ham. Moreover, they have won the last five meetings while scoring at least three goals in each.
West Ham United
The Hammers are in a precarious position. They have won just two of their 11 league games under Nuno Espírito Santo. Their away form offers little solace, having drawn their last three games on the road. The visitors face a daunting task at the Etihad. West Ham have lost 15 of their last 16 Premier League away games against Man City. If they fail to win, it will mark the fifth time the club has been in the bottom three at Christmas.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester City predicted XI: Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; González; Bernardo, Reijnders, Cherki, Foden; Haaland
West Ham United predicted XI: Areola; Mavropanos, Todibo, Kilman; Walker-Peters, Magassa, Potts, Scarles; Paquetá, Fernandes; Bowen
How to watch Manchester City vs West Ham United?
This match will not be broadcast live in the UK due to the Saturday 3:00 pm blackout. Highlights will be available on the BBC’s Match of the Day.
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