West Ham, still riding the high of their Europa Conference League triumph in June, has had an impressive start to the new Premier League season. They have collected 10 points out of a possible 12 in their first four matches. After an opening-weekend draw with Bournemouth, they secured wins over Chelsea, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Luton Town, including a 2-1 victory away from home before the international break with goals from Jarrod Bowen and new captain Kurt Zouma.
Not since the 1999-2000 season under Harry Redknapp have the Hammers made a better start to a Premier League season. Their current manager, David Moyes, has been nominated for August's Manager of the Month award, alongside this weekend's opponent, Pep Guardiola.
West Ham aims to maintain their unbeaten record, but this will be a challenge against Manchester City, a team they have struggled against in recent years. In their last 15 meetings, West Ham has suffered 12 defeats and managed only three draws. Only against Manchester United have the Hammers experienced a longer winless streak in the division's history.
Keeping Manchester City from scoring may also prove difficult for West Ham, as they have not kept a clean sheet in their last seven competitive games and have conceded at least two goals in seven of their last eight league encounters with Guardiola's side. Manchester City, led by goal machine Erling Haaland, comfortably defeated Fulham 5-1 before the international break, with Haaland scoring a hat-trick.
While the match was closely contested before Haaland's three goals, Julian Alvarez's opener was canceled out by Tim Ream before Nathan Ake controversially scored just before halftime – a goal that PGMOL chief Howard Webb has admitted should not have been allowed. Nevertheless, Guardiola will be pleased with his team's 100% start to the season and will be eager to return to the dugout following his absence due to a successful back operation.
Both West Ham and Manchester City face a packed schedule as they juggle domestic and European competitions. They have five matches to play in 14 days before October begins. Before their first Champions League group game against Red Star Belgrade next Tuesday, Manchester City will aim to secure their fifth consecutive Premier League win. They have not lost to West Ham in their last eight away meetings, including a 2-0 victory on the opening day of last season.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
West Ham's Vladimir Coufal may miss out due to a minor injury sustained during international duty. In his absence, either Ben Johnson or Thilo Kehrer could start as right-back. Konstantinos Mavropanos, a summer signing who had been dealing with a back issue, might make his debut in central defense, but it's likely that Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd will retain their positions on Saturday.James Ward-Prowse has been training despite rumors of an injury. He is expected to continue in central midfield, alongside either Edson Alvarez or Tomas Soucek. Soucek, who missed the win over Luton due to a concussion, is available for selection.
Lucas Paqueta is set to play in the No.10 role, flanked by wingers Jarrod Bowen and Said Benrahma. Mohammed Kudus may start on the bench, while Michail Antonio is likely to lead the attack instead of Danny Ings.
Regarding Manchester City, John Stones (hip), Jack Grealish (thigh), and Mateo Kovacic (back) are doubtful due to injuries, and Kevin De Bruyne (hamstring) remains sidelined. However, Nathan Ake and Erling Haaland, who scored twice at the London Stadium on his Premier League debut last season, are fit to play after recovering from knocks during international duty.
If Kovacic is unavailable, Matheus Nunes might make his full debut in central midfield alongside Rodri. Kalvin Phillips, who featured for England on Tuesday, is also vying for a place in Guardiola's starting lineup.
Bernardo Silva, who began as a substitute in City's win over Fulham, could return, potentially replacing either Jeremy Doku or Phil Foden. Josko Gvardiol is likely to compete with Ake for a spot on the left side of the defense.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
West Ham United possible starting lineup:Areola; Kehrer, Zouma, Aguerd, Emerson; Alvarez, Ward-Prowse; Bowen, Paqueta, Benrahma; Antonio
Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Ederson; Walker, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol; Rodri, Nunes; Bernardo, Alvarez, Foden; Haaland
EXPERT PREDICTION
West Ham 2-3 Manchester City
West Ham can create difficulties for Man City when they are close to scoring, especially from situations like free-kicks and quick attacks. But Man City is also very good at scoring goals, so they have a good chance of winning their fifth league game in a row.
