League leaders Manchester City will be looking to maintain their 100% record in the Premier League when they play host to Slaven Billic’s West Ham United.
The Hammers head into the fixture unbeaten in their last two matches and having secured three points in both of their away fixtures this season. What makes those away victories even more notable is that they came against Arsenal and Liverpool. Their meeting at the Etihad will make for a feisty encounter with both sides eager to maintain their respective records.
After a disappointing defeat in their first Champions League game of the season, Manuel Pellegrini’s men will be even more motivated to grab all three points but the Sky Blues will be sure to avoid any sort of complacency.
Key Battle – Dimitri Payet vs Aleksandar Kolarov
Saturday’s fixture at the Etihad will see two in-form players face off against one another in what promises to be a thoroughly entertaining duel. Payet is The Hammers’ top scorer in the league this season with three goals to his name, including a brace in their last match against Newcastle United. But the Frenchman is not known just for his goalscoring antics but his ability to dictate play in the final third of the pitch. He showed exactly what he is capable of when he ran riot against Arsenal in their opening fixture in the league.
Kolarov, on the other hand, has seemed to drastically improve this season, not only as a left-back but also as an overall player. A no-nonsense defender with a hammer for a left foot, the Serbian has been a key part of City’s successes this season. Gael Clichy’s injury has allowed Kolarov to start in each of City’s games so far but considering the Serbian’s form, the Frenchman will find it difficult to get back into the first team.
City are yet to concede a goal in the league and Kolarov will want to make sure he keeps Payet quiet and get yet another clean sheet to make it six in a row.
Team News
City have been without full-backs Pablo Zabaleta and Clichy this season but Bacary Sagna and Kolarov have done a good job in their absence. New signing Fabian Delph along with Fernando are other absentees while skipper Vincent Kompany looks set to recover from a minor calf problem that prevented him from completing the 90 minutes in the Champions League match against Juventus.
Manchester City Expected XI (4-2-3-1): Hart (GK); Sagna, Kompany, Mangala, Kolarov; Fernandinho, Toure; De Bruyne, Silva, Sterling; Aguero.
West Ham have a number of absentees with the likes of Enner Valencia, Joey O’Brien, Angelo Ogbonna and Alex Song all ruled out for the trip to the Etihad. The good news for the Hammers is that Pedro Obiang and Mauro Zarate have a good chance of featuring, while Andy Carroll made his long awaited return in the win against Newcastle.
West Ham Expected XI (4-3-3): Adrian (GK); Jenkinson, Tomkins, Reid, Cresswell; Kouyate, Obiang, Noble; Payet, Moses, Sakho.
Head-to-Head
This will be the 93rd league encounter between the two sides. City have won 44 of them while the Hammers have won 32. There have been 15 draws between the two sides.
Prediction
Manchester City look favourites to get all three points but will be wary of the fact that the Hammers have been very impressive on the road this season. Payet and Sakho have been in good touch and will provide serious threats to Joe Hart’s goal. On the other end, Sergio Aguero will be hopeful to add to his only goal so far while new signings De Bruyne and Sterling will look to impress as well.
Manchester City 2 West Ham United 0
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.
