Manchester City have undoubtedly had a rough couple of weeks. Winning only two of their last six matches in the league, Manuel Pellegrini will be appalled about the manner in which his side are finishing the season.
The Sky Blues are expected to end this run trophyless, but will look to gain some pride by putting in a good performance against a depleted West Ham United, who have themselves been struggling with just four points and four goals in their last six. Sam Allardyce’s men have not been performing as they were at the start of the season and now find themselves fighting to stay in the top 10.
With six games remaining, City will be looking to finish on a high note after a disastrous run of form. The Hammers have a lot of injury concerns to deal with and a trip to the Eastlands will certainly not be one that they will be pleased about.
Key Battle – Sergio Aguero vs Adrian
Not necessarily a one-on-one battle, but both players will look to get the better of one another. Aguero ended his goal drought when he scored two in last weekend’s loss to Manchester United. The Argentine has struggled to find the net in recent weeks and last week’s double, although in vain, will do him a world of good. He possesses the quality to destroy any defence in the world and will look to add to his tally of 19 against the Hammers.
Although Hammers keeper Adrian has managed just two clean sheets in his last 10 outings, only Robert Green of Queens Park Rangers has mas made more saves than the Spaniard throughout the season. Adrian has also managed to save a couple of penalties in the same period. Although individually impressive this season, he will be keen on a strong defensive performance from his back four to keep City’s many threats at bay.
While Aguero will be goal hungry, I would not rule out Adrian keeping him scoreless.
Team News
City will be sweating on the fitness of their captain Vincent Kompany, who was lucky not to be sent off in his last encounter. Kompany took a knock to the thigh against United which did not see him come out for the second-half. New signing Wilfried Bony as well as Stevan Jovetic are both doubts for this one.
Manchester City expected XI (4-2-2-2): Joe Hart, Pablo Zabaleta, Martin Demichelis, Eliaquim Mangala, Alexsandar Kolarov, Fernandinho, Yaya Toure, Samir Nasri, David Silva, Edin Dzeko, Sergio Aguero
West Ham have been struggling with injuries as of late. Andy Carroll, Diafra Sakho and James Tomkins will all be missing the trip to Manchester, while Enner Valencia is also doubt.
West Ham United expected XI (4-2-3-1): Adrian, Carl Jenkinson, James Collins, Winston Reid, Aaron Cresswell, Alex Song, Mark Noble, Cheikhou Kouyate, Stewart Downing, Enner Valencia, Carlton Cole
Head-to-Head
Sunday marks the 91st league encounter between the two sides. City have won 43 of them while the Hammers have won 32. There have been 15 draws between the two sides.
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Prediction
One expects City to bag the three points at the Etihad in Sunday, although West Ham will undoubtedly put up a strong fight. Sam Allardyce has some of his star players missing through injury and that can tilt the game in favour of the hosts. City will be more than happy to be playing in front of their home fans after losing their last four away games in a row, they have been strong at home this season and will look get back to winning ways in Sunday’s clash against the Hammers.
Manchester City 3 West Ham United 0
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