After being hit with a shocking two-year ban from European competitions, Manchester City will look to pick themselves up and focus on their performances on-field when they play hosts to West Ham United on Wednesday. The Sky Blues are currently second in the league table but failing to win versus West Ham could allow Leicester City to overtake them by the end of the matchweek.
Here is how Man City could line up against the Hammers this midweek.
Predicted 4-3-3 Manchester City Lineup Vs West Ham United
Formation: 4-3-3
Defence
Pep Guardiola is likely to retain his four-man backline despite finishing on the wrong end of a 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the last game.
Oleksandr Zinchenko has already been ruled out against West Ham due to suspension, meaning Benjamin Mendy is the only remaining option at left-back. But, things could remain unchanged on the opposite flank, where Kyle Walker is almost guaranteed to retain his place in the team, ahead of Joao Cancelo.
There has been no update of Aymeric Laporte’s fitness after he was ruled out of the Spurs game due to fatigue. However, we do expect the Frenchman to return to the side this time around, at the expense of Nicolas Otamendi. He is set to partner Fernandinho at the heart of Manchester City’s four-man backline.
Meanwhile, Ederson is a definite starter in between the sticks as the Brazilian looks to get back in form after struggling against Tottenham the last time out.
Midfield
David Silva is expected to get the nod ahead of Ilkay Gundogan in central midfield. His experience and technical prowess could be crucial in a Man City side that will be dejected after being denied future involvement for two seasons in the UEFA competitions.
The veteran Spaniard is tipped to partner Kevin de Bruyne, thus forming the main source of Manchester City’s creativity. It will be imperative for the West Ham defenders to keep an eye on these two individuals. Meanwhile, Rodri is a guaranteed starter in the holding midfield role.
Attack
Raheem Sterling has been ruled out against West Ham due to a hamstring injury. He is likely to be replaced by Gabriel Jesus, though Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden are also available.
The Brazilian is set to start at left-wing, with Riyad Mahrez operating on the opposite flank. And finally, the Man City attack is likely to spearheaded by the one and only Sergio Aguero.
