Manchester City looking to boost Champions League hopes

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Manchester City v West Ham United preview

Manchester City kick off their 2025 Premier League campaign with a home fixture against a struggling West Ham United side.

Author - Macca

Man City stadium

The reigning champions have endured a tough spell, winning just one of their previous 13 games across all competitions before last weekend’s trip to the King Power Stadium. However, they managed a much-needed, albeit scrappy, win in the East Midlands, with Savinho playing a starring role. 

On paper, a visit from West Ham might seem like a straightforward task for Pep Guardiola’s side, but City’s recent form at the Etihad has been anything but convincing. They’ve managed just one win in their last five home matches and were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Everton in their most recent outing on home soil.

As for West Ham, their form had been on the up before a humbling 5-0 defeat to league leaders Liverpool halted their progress. Head coach Julen Lopetegui had been under less pressure in recent weeks, with the Hammers sitting eight points clear of the relegation zone. However, they’ll need to be cautious to avoid slipping back into old habits.

The latest Manchester City news and stories

Premier League: 2024/2025 season

Encouragement for the blues?

The reigning champions will take encouragement from Erling Haaland ending his five-game goal drought against Leicester, once again making him the focal point as they aim for back-to-back victories.

West Ham’s lacklustre attacking record could provide some relief for City’s defence, which has been worryingly leaky, conceding 27 goals in their last 14 matches. However, it’s City’s own attack that will be under the spotlight on Saturday, as it has struggled to fire consistently in recent weeks.

During this 14-game stretch, City have managed to score more than once in a match on only four occasions. Phil Foden has yet to rediscover the form that saw him net 19 league goals last season, and the team is feeling the absence of Julian Alvarez, who contributed 11 league goals in the previous campaign.

A draw would be a good result for West Ham?

West Ham will be without forward Jarrod Bowen due to a fractured foot he sustained during the home defeat to Liverpool.

Lukasz Fabianski will also miss this match after suffering a head injury against Southampton on Boxing Day. Alphonse Areola is expected to continue in goal.

Midfielders Guido Rodriguez and Tomas Soucek are both available for selection after serving their suspensions.

Location: Manchester, UK

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