Manchester City's first Premier League game of 2025 is a visit from West Ham United.
The reigning champions had won just one of their previous 13 games in all competitions before traveling to the King Power Stadium last weekend, but they secured an important and unconvincing win in the East Midlands. Savinho played in the triumphwhich saw City break the 30-point mark.
A visit from West Ham would normally look like a routine win for Pep Guardiola's side, but their recent form has been woeful. They have won just one of their last five home games and were held to a 1-1 draw by Everton in their most recent outing at the Etihad.
The Hammers had been in improved form ahead of them 5-0 strike at the hands of Liverpool at the top of the table, with the pressure eased on manager Julen Lopetegui. They are now eight points above the drop zone but will be wary of slipping into old habits.
Here it is 90 minutes guide to Man City vs. West Ham.
Man City vs West Ham H2H record (last five matches)
Current form (all competitions)
|
Man City |
West Ham |
|---|---|
|
Leicester 0-2 Man City – 29/12/24 |
West Ham 0-5 Liverpool – 29/12/24 |
|
Man City 1-1 Everton – 26/12/24 |
Southampton 0-1 West Ham – 26/12/24 |
|
Aston Villa 2-1 Man City – 21/12/24 |
West Ham 1-1 Brighton – 21/12/24 |
|
Man City 1-2 Man Utd – 15/12/24 |
Bournemouth 1-1 West Ham – 16/12/24 |
|
Juventus 2-0 Man City – 11/12/24 |
West Ham 2-1 Wolves – 09/12/24 |
|
country |
TV channel/live streaming |
|---|---|
|
United Kingdom |
Radio commentary and live updates on talkSPORT, BBC Radio Manchester and BBC Radio 5 |
|
United States |
peacock |
|
Canada |
fuboTV Canada, Fubo Sports Network 7 Canada |
Guardiola has revealed that none of those missing for last weekend's trip to Leicester will be available against West Ham. Rodri and Oscar Bobb are long-term absentees, while Matheus Nunes and John Stones are both injured as well.
Ruben Dias is getting better according to Guardiola, but will not be available against the Iron, leaving City short at centre-back. The Spaniard also stated that first-choice goalkeeper Ederson will return to action “soon”.
Man City predicted formation against West Ham (3-2-4-1): Ortega; Akanji, Ake, Guardiol; Lewis, Kovacic; Foden, De Bruyne, Silva, Savinho; Haaland.
West Ham don't have too many injuries, but they are missing some key personnel. They were dealt a devastating blow this week after it was revealed that talisman Jarrod Bowen had broken his leg in the defeat to Liverpool, ruling him out for an extended period.
Michail Antonio will be absent for a long time breaking his leg in a car accident and Lukasz Fabianski is also missing as he recovers from a head injury sustained against Southampton. Alphonse Areola returned to the 11 against Liverpool and will start again.
West Ham predicted formation against Man City (4-2-3-1): Areola; One-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Emerson; Soucek, Alvarez; Kudus, Package, Summerville; Full circle.
Manchester City certainly didn't beat Leicester last time out, but their triumph will serve as a huge confidence booster. West Ham's arrival without Bowen provides an excellent opportunity for them to secure back-to-back wins for the first time since late October.
Without their leading creator and goalscorer, West Ham may struggle to pose any serious threat to City's goal, even if the Cityzens' defense has been disorganized in recent weeks. The Iron are struggling for goals and will need to take advantage of the rare occasions they get the ball back at the Etihad.