Prediction: Manchester City vs West Ham

Verdict: Manchester City to score in both halves 

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Now just 90 minutes away from claiming this season’s Premier League title, Manchester City will welcome West Ham to the Etihad on Sunday afternoon.

Manchester City

Starting with the hosts, claiming what was a season-defining 2-0 victory away at Tottenham in midweek, Manchester City are now just 90 minutes away from making more Premier League history. Opening Sunday’s showdown at the Etihad holding a two-point buffer over Arsenal, Pep Guardiola’s men have only continued on another stunning domestic flurry this season. Sat firmly in the driving seat to get their hands on a fourth consecutive Premier League crown, the former Barcelona boss should have a real party atmosphere in his camp. Despite suffering Champions League heartbreak last month as they relinquished their maiden European crown, City have not suffered a single domestic defeat since the start of December. Likewise, winning all of their previous nine straight showdowns against top-flight opposition, Guardiola’s side are rightfully pencilled in as a landslide underdog this weekend.

Team News

Suffering a horror collision with Tottenham defender Cristian Romero away in north London on Tuesday night, Brazilian shot-stopper Ederson is not expected to feature here. Coming off the bench and producing a pair of stunning saves in midweek, Stefan Ortega will start between the sticks in what could be his final appearance for Guardiola’s side.

Bagging what should turn out to be a season-defining brace in the capital on Tuesday, Erling Haaland will spearhead City’s charge as he officially claims another Golden Boot. While Kevin de Bruyne might have limped off earlier in the week thanks to a second-half knock, the Belgian superstar is expected to be fine.

West Ham

As for the visitors, although West Ham might have mounted a crucial comeback at home against Luton over the weekend as they secured a 3-1 victory, the Hammers have drastically struggled to find any kind of stability since opening the New Year. With Sunday’s trip to the Etihad David Moyes’ final game in the dugout, the one-time Manchester United boss couldn’t have asked for a tougher challenge here. Mustering just a quartet of Premier League victories since opening the New Year, West Ham have continued to gain a reputation for their glaring defensive issues. Last seen on their travels falling to an infamous 5-0 drumming at the hands of London rivals Chelsea, the Hammers have remarkably shipped 12 goals in just their previous three Premier League matchups on the road. Likewise, losing all of their last seven trips to the Etihad, Moyes’ men face a monumental challenge.

Team News

Now missing all of West Ham’s last four appearances and heavily linked with a move away from the London Stadium this summer, former Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd is not expected to feature here. However, the Hammers ate hopeful that Greek international Konstantinos Mavropanos could make a full return on Sunday afternoon.

Crowned West Ham’s Player of the Season last weekend after notching 16 Premier League strikes, Jarrod Bowen will play a leading role here. Coming off the bench and bagging a maiden Premier League goals against Luton, 19-year-old George Earthy could get some more minutes under his belt at the Etihad.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Manchester City and West Ham met for their reverse Premier League showdown on September 16th, the Sky Blues picked up a 3-1 victory in east London.
• Guardiola’s men have won all of their previous nine straight showdowns against Premier League opposition.
• West Ham have lost all of their last three Premier League matchups away from the London Stadium by an aggregate score of 12-2.
• Likewise, the Hammers have lost all of their previous seven straight Premier League trips to the Etihad.
• Attacking talisman Erling Haaland has scored 27 goals in his 30 Premier League appearances this season.

Conclusion

Claiming what should turn out to be a season-defining 2-0 win away at Tottenham in midweek, Manchester City are now just 90 minuets away from making more Premier League history. Holding a two-point buffer over Arsenal heading into Sunday’s showdown at the Etihad, Guardiola’s men are rightfully pencilled in as a landslide contender here. Meeting a West Ham squad that have remarkably shipped 12 goals in their previous three top-flight matchups away from the London Stadium, we should have a real party atmosphere around the blue half of Manchester this weekend.

Verdict: Manchester City to score in both halves 

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Dachbet