Prediction: West Ham vs Manchester City

Verdict: Manchester City win

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Unibet

Looking to move another step closer to claiming this season’s Premier League title, Manchester City will make the trip to West Ham on Sunday afternoon.

West Ham

Starting with the hosts, while West Ham might have been left heartbroken after their Europa League adventure come to an end out in Germany last week, the Hammers came roaring immediately back. Managing to pick up what was a much-needed boost thanks to a routine 4-0 romp against an already-relegated Norwich last weekend, David Moyes’ men have gained plenty of plaudits once again this season. Now firmly sat in pole position to book back-to-back European finishes this year, the one-time Manchester United boss finds his side holding a commanding five-point buffer from dropping out of the Europa Conference League spot. However, while the east London outfit might still have their sights set on a shock late charge for the top-six, they will know they face a huge task on Sunday afternoon. Despite knocking City out of the EFL Cup back in October, it should be noted that West Ham have failed to win any of their last 12 straight Premier League meetings against the English giants.

Team News

Set to make his final Premier League appearance on home soil this weekend, West Ham skipper Mark Noble could be handed a start alongside Declan Rice.

However, all suffering knocks against Norwich last week, the Hammers are sweating over the fitness of Michail Antonio, Said Benrahma and Craig Dawson.

Manchester City

As for the visitors, while Manchester City might have come crashing out of the Champions League last week, Pep Guardiola’s side are in the midst of a stellar domestic purple patch. Putting in a hugely impressive display earlier in the week as they cruised their way to a 5-1 romp away at European outsiders Wolves, the one-time Barcelona boss has seen his side win each of their last five Premier League outings. Holding a three-point buffer over Liverpool and sat in pole position to recapture their Premier League crown this season, the Sky Blues have really continued to shine in the final third. With the red-hot Kevin De Bruyne bagging a quartet of strikes away at Molineux a few days ago, it should be noted that City have bagged a staggering 22 goals on their five-match winning run. Knowing that they face another must-win showdown on Sunday afternoon, Guardiola’s stacked squad will be desperate to keep up their recent momentum here.

Team News

Dealing with somewhat of an injury crisis at the back, Manchester City look set to be without Fernandinho on Sunday afternoon after he limped off against Wolves in midweek.

Their Brazilian skipper will be joined on the sidelines by John Stones, Ruben Dias and Kyle Walker who are all set to miss the remainder of the season.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last faced off on Premier League duties, Manchester City picked up a 2-1 win on November 28th.
• Likewise, the Sky Blues are unbeaten in each of their previous 12 Premier League meetings against Sunday’s opposition.
• Man City have won their last five Premier League matchups by an aggregate score of 22-2.
• West Ham’s 4-0 win away at Norwich last weekend drew a line under their four-match losing run across all formats.
• However, the Hammers have failed to win any of their last four fixtures at the London Stadium.

Conclusion

While West Ham might have managed to pick up a 4-0 romp against an already-relegated Norwich last weekend, there is no doubt that the Hammers face a huge task here. Watching Manchester City breeze their way to a stunning 5-1 win away at Wolves a few days ago, the Sky Blues are within touching distance of recapturing their Premier League crown. Winning each of their last five top-flight contests by an aggregate score of 22-2, a free-scoring City will be desperate to keep up that momentum here. Likewise, unbeaten in each of their last 12 straight top-flight meetings against Moyes’ men, a run that stems all the way back to September 2015, we’re backing an away victory for the English heavyweights on Sunday afternoon.

Verdict: Manchester City win

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Unibet