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- This is a clash of two distinct philosophies, with Pep Guardiola’s City favouring a hybrid system that involves possession but also the ability to switch shape and press high to win the ball back in advantageous positions before transitioning quickly.
- It has been a formula that has served them well this season with City sitting second on 34 points, two fewer than leaders Arsenal in what looks to be another title race.
Away - West Ham
- West Ham boss Nuno Espírito Santo has been working hard to change the identity of West Ham to one that is based around a compact and disciplined defensive unit.
- The Portuguese coach has encouraged his team to press selectively, but to always revert to a strong structure and they are looking to counter attack as quickly as possible when they do win the ball.
- Nuno’s side have struggled for consistency this season, but have also had a tough run of games with two draws and three defeats in their last five.
- Lucas Paquetá will again be the driving force of West Ham’s attacks and is available after disciplinary issues.
Head-to-Head
City have won each of their last five games against West Ham in all competitions, often by two or more goals.
Key Players
- Lucas Paquetá will again be the driving force of West Ham’s attacks and is available after disciplinary issues.
- Erling Haaland bagged a brace at Palace last Saturday and has reached a rapid century of Premier League goals this season, while Phil Foden is on a purple patch right now, combining goals and assists in key moments.
- City’s centre-backs, especially Josko Gvardiol and Rúben Dias, have been contributing goals, particularly Dias.
Betting Insights
- Man City are a 1.24 favourite to win, with West Ham long outsiders and the draw also unlikely.
- The Over 2.5 goals market is a good alternative at 1.32 given the visitors’ recent defensive fragilities and City’s recent goal-scoring exploits.
Prediction
There are plenty of reasons to believe City could win this game by at least two goals, so a 3-0 home win with some insurance on a 3-1 outcome could be the way to go.
