Manchester City will make their way to the London Stadium on Saturday to face a West Ham United side currently managed by Manuel Pellegrini. The Chilean had a successful tenure in Manchester winning 3 trophies in 3 years, including the Premier League title. But his exit was not handled particularly well by the club and there will be an undercurrent of mild resentment when the Sky Blues roll up to east London.
The Champions have fond memories of their previous 3 visits here. City have won all 3 games scoring an eye-watering 13 goals and will back themselves for yet another productive outing at this stadium.
Pep might have an eye on the crucial fixture against Lyon in the midweek and factor in the football played over the international break, we might see a couple of changes to the starting lineup.
PRE-MATCH TRIVIA
Manchester City have won 9 of their last 11 matches away in the Premier League.
Manchester City have won 6 out of 6 matches against West Ham United in all competitions.
TEAM NEWS
Claudio Bravo, Benjamin Mendy, Kevin de Bruyne and Eliaquim Mangala remain out. With fixtures to come thick and fast now, Bernardo Silva and Nicolas Otamendi are unlikely to be risked.
DEFENCE
Ederson will start in goal. He has conceded 2 penalties in his last 2 appearances for the club and will be looking to deliver a flawless display on Saturday.
Kyle Walker should start at right-back. We might see Vincent Kompany start in place of John Stones. But Aymeric Laporte will remain unchanged.
With Mendy out, Zinchenko and Fabian Delph will be hoping for more minutes. But based on current form and confidence, Delph is being backed for a start.
MIDFIELD
Fernandinho will sit at the base of the midfield 3. David Silva will start the match after an emotional farewell for Spain over the international break. We anticipate a day off for Bernardo Silva. And Ilkay Gundogan is likely to take his place in a midfield 3.
ATTACK
Pep has an embarrassment of riches in this area. Leroy Sane is in excellent form with 2 goals in 2 appearances for Germany. The manager might give him a start on the left where he will be up against former City man, Pablo Zabaleta.
On the right, we think Raheem Sterling will line up ahead of Riyad Mahrez, who might be earmarked for a start against Lyon.
Sergio Aguero will be fresh and raring to lead the attack with Gabriel Jesus likely to be on the bench.
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