Manchester City will entertain West Ham United at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon, hoping to pick up a positive result and add to their tally of 19 successive wins in a row across all competitions, with the latest win against Borussia Monchengladbach in the UEFA Champions League. It has been an exciting season for the Hammers as well, who currently find themselves sitting in the 4th position, two points clear of fifth-placed Chelsea. As a result, both sides will be heading into the clash in high spirits looking to extend their good run of form.
David Moyes will probably opt for his usual 4-2-3-1 formation against the Citizens; however, the Scottish tactician is expected to keep changes to a minimum for the upcoming away encounter.
Defence
Lukasz Fabianski will continue to operate in between the sticks for the Hammers. The Polish international has kept two clean sheets in his last three outings in the Premier League and will be looking to add to his tally on Saturday.
Issa Diop will form his customary centre-half partnership with Craig Dawson at the heart of West Ham’s backline. The pair did well to limit Tottenham’s chances throughout the ninety minutes; however, they’ll be determined to secure a clean sheet this time.
Vladimir Coufal is a guaranteed starter at the right-back spot, whereas Aaron Cresswell will fill in on the other flank as the left-back. With Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez up next, the full-backs will be expected to stay compact and keep their shape defensively.
Midfield
Tomas Soucek will continue to feature alongside Declan Rice in the holding midfield position, with the latter being assigned with more of a defensive role to shield the away side’s back-four. The Czech midfielder suffered a gruesome head injury against the Lilywhites, but he went to play for the full ninety minutes.
Manchester United loanee Jesse Lingard will start in the attacking midfield position, thus completing the midfield trio. The Englishman has been an instant hit since his move to the London Stadium, bagging three goals and an assist in four appearances, and he’ll be hoping to extend his brilliant run of form against Pep Guardiola’s men.
Lingard will be accompanied by Pablo Fornals and Jarrod Bowen on either side, playing on the left and right-wing respectively.
Manuel Lanzini will have to settle for a place on the bench but might come on in the latter stages of the game if needed.
Attack
Michail Antonio will lead the line for the visitors this weekend. The 30-year-old won’t be getting too many chances against the City defence that has kept 19 clean sheets in their last 26 matches, but he’ll be aiming to make the most out of whatever he’s provided with.
