Manchester City lifted the Premier League title in record time more than a week ago but they came back to put in a solid performance against Swansea City last weekend, to show that they are not done yet this season. They are chasing a couple of PL records and are not too far away from breaking them. They will believe that they can continue their winning run when they travel to London Stadium this weekend to take on West Ham United, who are winless in their last three games.
The Hammers, who are all but safe in the top-flight, do not have too much to play for but David Moyes might decide the future of a number of players at the club, depending on their performances in the rest of the season. So The Hammers might be pumped up and will surely give City a run for their money. But Pep Guardiola’s side have been excellent this season and will be strong favourites to take all three points from this game. Here is the predicted lineup Guardiola might field for this tie:
Team News:
Guardiola revealed that John Stones may be back in action before the end of the season but this game comes to quickly for him. Sergio Aguero picked up a knee injury earlier this month and remains the only other absentee ahead of this game for City.
Expected lineup (4-3-3):
Defence:
Ederson Moares had a pretty comfortable night against Swansea and will hope to have a similar game against The Hammers this weekend. He will be helped by a CB partnership of Nicolas Otamendi and Aymeric Laporte, both of who were hardly tested by the Welsh outfit.
Benjamin Mendy came on a sub against Swansea but could be pushed into the starting XI this weekend while Kyle Walker, who was dropped from the first team for that game, should be back at right-back against West Ham.
Midfield:
Fernandinho was given a break last weekend and could be back in the no.6 role for this trip to London. Kevin de Bruyne and David Silva both scored a goal each in that game and will retain their places in the midfield.
Attack:
With Aguero out injured, Gabriel Jesus is the best option to lead the attack for City this season. Leroy Sane might replace Raheem Sterling on the left-wing while Bernardo Silva, who also found the back of the net against Swansea, will keep his place on the right side of the attack.
Here is how they might line up:
