Prediction: Manchester City vs West Ham

1st May 2011

Manchester City will be looking to record seventh consecutive home win when they host bottom-placed West Ham in what should be a very interesting encounter. The Citizens have yet to secure the top 4 place, whereas the Hammers desperately need a win in order to keep their survival chances alive, meaning that both teams will be going for a win at Eastlands.

While largely struggling to fulfill their potential in the first part of the season, the Citizens have really improved their form since, which is one of the reasons why City are now hot favourites for the final Champions League berth. Roberto Mancini’s side seem to have finally gelled and they have been in very good form lately, especially at their Eastlands. The Blues have just recorded the first away win this year, having beaten Blackburn at Ewood, but they have become a real force to be reckoned with at home. The Citizens have not only won 13 out of last 14 games, but they have also kept a clean sheet in every one of their last six home games, meaning that West Ham really face an uphill task at the City of Manchester Stadium. The hosts are still without Carlos Tevez, but Edin Dzeko should start after scoring the winner against Blackburn. Kolo Toure, Shay Given, Jerome Boateng, Micah Richards and Michael Johnson are unavailable.

West Ham have spent a big part of the league campaign in the bottom three and the Hammers have additionally decreased their survival chances by losing last four league games, but Avram Grant’s side can escape the bottom three with victory over City and that is exactly what they will be looking to do. However, West Ham face a really tough task at Eastlands, not only because they are completely out of confidence at the moment, but also since key midfielders Scott Parker and Mark Noble are missing out through injuries. The pressure has only increased after club co-owner David Sullivan publicly slammed the players for their latest performances, so everything suggests the Hammers will continue the poor run. Besides Parker and Noble, Wayne Bridge, Kieron Dyer, Gary O’Neil and Junior Stanislas are also out, giving Avram Grant a real defensive headache before the trip to Manchester.

Conclusion

Having won last six home games without conceding a single goal in the process, Manchester City have got to be considered favourites in this clash, especially with West Ham low on confidence and without two key players. All things considered, home win should never come into question.

Verdict: Home win Manchester City (1)

Best Odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: Paddy Power