Premier League: Hammers Can Test the High-Flying Sky Blues

West Ham United vs Manchester City

Premier League leaders Manchester City are in action again on Saturday when they make the trip to the capital city to take on in-form West Ham United at the London Stadium.

I say the Sky Blues are high-flying, but the Hammers too are in the higher echelons of the Premier League, sitting in fourth place and just two points behind the leaders. A home win could even take David Moyes’ team to the very summit if other results go their way.

But they will need to be at their very best and hope Pep Guardiola’s side has a rare off day to expect anything other than a defeat.

City are at a SBOTOP price of 1.44 to win the title, while the Hammers are backed to finish just about in the top 10 after their bright start to the campaign.

West Ham won away to Luton Town before the international break, and they hope the pause will not have interrupted their momentum.

Manchester City slapped Fulham 5-1 before their players went off for international duty, and it will take more than a fortnight away to stop their juggernaut from rolling.

Talking Points

Post-Rice West Ham are doing just fine

I must admit I was one of those neutrals who thought the Hammers might struggle following the sale of their captain and talisman Declan Rice to Arsenal. But 10 points from a possible 12, including impressive wins over Brighton and Chelsea, have made a few of us sit up and take notice.

Hammers fans, well most of them, are delighted with the work David Moyes has done at the London Stadium and, after delivering the Europa Conference League title last season, they are dreaming of more silverware this time around.

Attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta will face the club who tried to sign him late in the summer transfer window, and he has been in good form, making an assist for the excellent Jarrod Bowen in the victory over Luton.

But the Hammers have also made a marquee signing of their own with the capture of James Ward-Prowse from relegated Southampton. He made an assist against the Hatters and has proved to be one of West Ham’s best players in their campaign so far.

There could be a first appearance for another summer signing, defender Konstantinos Mavropanos, who has been suffering from a back strain. He is ready for action now and could line up alongside the highly rated Nayef Aguerd, while midfield ace Tomas Soucek faces a late fitness test.     

Kovacic doubt for Manchester City

The Sky Blues have a world-class squad of course, but they too are waiting on the fitness of a midfield enforcer, as their summer recruit Mateo Kovacic has been rested by his national team, Croatia, suffering from a muscle strain in his back.

Following his transfer from Chelsea, Kovacic has started every game for the Sky Blues, but he sat out both of Croatia’s games against Latvia and Armenia.

Of course I’m not suggesting Guardiola had anything to do with those decisions.

The City medical team will take a look at Kovacic and make a call, but don’t be surprised to see the 29 year old on the bench.

In other Premier League 2023 news, the Sky Blues are hoping to have two players back in the fold as John Stones and Jack Grealish are both well down the road to recovery from thigh injuries.

Centre-back Stones, who made an effective switch to a defencive midfield role last season, has not yet played in the Premier League this season and he could start on the bench as possible cover in defence and for the in-form Rodri.

Grealish missed the win over Fulham, but a two-week break has seen him back in full training.

Whoever starts for the Sky Blues, West Ham know full well they will face 11 of the very best.       

History

Manchester City have won 33 of the head-to-head encounters with West Ham in the Premier League era, drawing nine and losing 11. The Sky Blues completed a league double last season with a 3-0 win at home and a 2-0 triumph at the London Stadium. 

In fact, West Ham have only taken points from Manchester City once in the last seven years. Can the Happy Hammers possibly do it again?

Betting Tip

Well, the Premier League 2023 betting odds are right behind the Sky Blues, and the league leaders are at a very low price of 1.45 to win this game, with West Ham at 5.42 and the draw is at 4.07.

The Double Chance, West Ham or Draw, is there at 2.44 if you think the hosts can keep their unbeaten run going.

2-0 to Manchester City is at a price of 7.14 and the most likely outcome, but this will be a real test for Pep’s boys and I’m hedging on a mid-scoring tussle.   

 

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