In-form Manchester City welcome West Ham to the Etihad early tomorrow morning.
The Hammers have nowhere close to their full complement fit and have witnessed a serious dip in form compared to last season’s exploits. After losing their first away game to Chelsea, Slaven Bilic will be hopeful to prevent defeat against Pep Guardiola’s side.
After two weeks the Sky Blues find themselves among the top of the table going into this game and the new manager will want his team to continue their good run once again.
Key Battle – Sergio Aguero vs Winston Reid
It is hard to see past Sergio Aguero when identifying City’s main attacking threat. The Argentine has been in red-hot form, netting six goals in the three games he has played this season and he does not look like stopping anytime soon. A well-deserved rest in the second leg of the Champions League qualifier would have done the injury-prone striker a world of good and he will be raring to go against a depleted Hammers side.
The difficult task of having to handle Aguero will fall on the shoulders of West Ham vice-captain Winston Reid. The New Zealand international has been one of the club’s most consistent defenders over the last few years and will need all his experience to keep City’s striker under control. He will be partnered in the centre of defence by James Collins who has a vast amount of experience himself, as they look to maintain back-to-back clean sheets in the league.
Team News
Bacary Sagna and Kalechi Iheanacho are the latest to pick up injuries for the Sky Blues, with the former ruled out for the next game. Vincent Kompany, Ilkay Gundogan and Leroy Sane will also watch from the sidelines, while Yaya Toure still is not match ready.
West Ham are suffering a serious injury crisis with Andre Ayew, Andy Carroll, Aaron Cresswell, Sofiane Feghouli and Diafra Sakho all set to miss out on the trip to Manchester. Manuel Lanzini remains a doubt and Dimitri Payet will go through a late fitness test to prove he can play some part.
Head-to-Head
The two sides have played a total of 102 times so far, with City winning a majority of 48 while the Hammers have triumphed on 37 occasions. The remaining 17 matches have ended in draws.
Previous Meeting
The sides last met earlier this year in the league at the Boleyn Ground, sharing the spoils in an exciting 2-2 draw that saw Aguero and Enner Valencia both grab braces.
Prediction
West Ham’s injury concerns certainly make City the favourites in this encounter and the Sky Blues will be hoping to continue their 100% record and stay at the top of the table.
Manchester City 3 West Ham 1
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
