Manchester City vs West Ham Prediction, Lineups, Preview and Team News | Premier League, January 4, 2025

Manchester City vs West Ham Preview

• Competition: Premier League.
• Date: Saturday, January 4.
• Time: 3:00 PM GMT.
• Venue: Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City vs West Ham will be played in the middle kick-off slot in the Premier League on January 4 as the sixth placed side prepares to host the team in 13^th place in the table.

The Cityzens will enter this game on the back of a stuttering run of form. They have won just one of their last five matches – something wildly uncharacteristic of them. In that run, they have lost three games and also drawn one as they still search for consistency in results. City have scored five goals in this run and conceded seven, keeping just one clean sheet. They defeated Leicester City 2-0 in their last outing and will look to build on that result.

The Hammers, on the other hand, will enter this game on the back of only a slightly better run of form compared to their rivals. They have won two of their last five matches, securing one draw and falling to two defeats in the other matches. In this run, they have scored five goals but conceded a worrying eight goals, keeping just one clean sheet in the process. They were thrashed 5-0 by Liverpool in their last match and will look to prevent that from repeating.

On that note, let’s take a look at the team news coming out of both camps.

Manchester City Team News

Manager Pep Guardiola fielded the strongest combination possible with the players available in the team’s 2-0 win last time around. There were no new injuries or suspensions in that match, which is a good sign for Manchester City. However, they will be without Rodri, Oscar Bobb, Ruben Dias and John Stones. Matheus Nunes and Ederson are also doubtful for the next match.

West Ham Team News

Manager Julen Lopetegui fielded a strong lineup in his team’s last match but they were humbled by Liverpool in a heavy 5-0 defeat. They picked up one injury in that match as key forward Jarrod Bowen picked up a knock and needed to be replaced. Apart from him, they will also miss Michail Antonio, Lukasz Fabianski and Carlos Soler in the next match. Tomas Soucek and Guido Rodriguez will be back from suspension.

Predicted Lineups

Manchester City Predicted Lineup (4-1-4-1)

Goalkeeper: Stefan Ortega.

Defenders: Rico Lewis, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake, Josko Gvardiol.

Midfielders: Mateo Kovacic, Kevin De Bruyne (C), Bernardo Silva.

Forwards: Phil Foden, Savinho, Erling Haaland.

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West Ham Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Alphonse Areola.

Defenders: Vladimir Coufal, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Max Kilman, Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Midfielders: Lucas Paqueta, Edson Alvarez, Carlos Soler.

Forwards: Mohammed Kudus, Emerson, Jarrod Bowen (C).

Manchester City vs West Ham Head-to-Head Record

These two teams meet regularly as they have been part of the Premier League for the last several years. The recent head-to-head record heavily favours Manchester City, though, who have won each of their last five meetings against West Ham.

Key Players to Watch

Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

The Norwegian striker suffered a lean patch recently but has shown signs of snapping out of it with his recent performances. With 15 goal contributions already this Premier League campaign, he will look to carry that form forward. Haaland also scored in their last match and will bring that confidence into the next match as well.

Tomas Soucek (West Ham)

The towering midfielder has a knack for scoring from set-pieces, especially against bigger sides who allow little wiggle room from open play. Soucek’s aerial presence should come into play on corners and free-kicks for West Ham, and it could be their only outlet to score with Bowen likely to miss out.

Manchester City vs West Ham Prediction

Going by the recent head-to-head record between these two teams as well as their respective form guides of late, this game should be a close one. City have been trying to escape their slump, while West Ham have struggled this season. This could end in a draw.

Prediction: Manchester City 2-2 West Ham

Where to watch Manchester City vs West Ham live?

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