4 janvier, 17h00. Manchester. Etihad Stadium
Premier League. Day 20
Manchester City vs West Ham (Londres)
Players suspended: None
Injured: Ederson, Mateus Nunes (both doubtful), Ruben Dias, John Stones, Oscar Bobb, Rodri – Lukasz Fabianski (doubtful), Jarrod Bowen, Michail Antonio
Manchester City vs West Ham : Cotes des bookmakers
Manchester City
Manchester City ended 2024 on a high note, winning 2-0 against Leicester in Pep Guardiola’s 500th match in charge of the team. The reigning Premier League champions benefited from an inspired performance from Savinho, who opened the scoring midway through the first half when he tapped in a rebound after a Phil Foden shot was saved by Jakub Stolarczyk. After the break, the City winger delivered a precise cross to Erling Haaland, who ended a drought and sealed the final score of the match.
Despite the victory, Manchester City displayed a performance that was far from their best level. If Leicester had been more efficient in front of goal, the Citizens’ winless run in the Premier League could have extended to five matches. With the score still 0-0, Stefan Ortega saved City with a close range save from Jamie Vardy. Just before half-time, Facundo Buonanotte hit the post, and after the interval Vardy and James Justin wasted good chances, with Manuel Akanji clearing an unstoppable shot off the line.
-West Ham
The Hammers seem to have learned little from heavy defeats against Arsenal (2-5) and Tottenham (1-4). In their final match of 2024, Julen Lopetegui’s side suffered another heavy defeat, losing 0-5 at home to Liverpool. The Premier League leaders had chances to score even more goals, but showed leniency towards their demoralized opponents.
For Lopetegui, the defeat against Liverpool marked the eighth in nineteen Premier League matches – a worrying statistic for a team with European football ambitions. Additionally, it was the eighth time this season that West Ham had conceded at least three goals. Overall, in 2024, they have the worst defensive record in the Premier League, having conceded 79 goals. “Of course we are worried about the number of goals conceded. However, we are not the first team to lose against Liverpool in this way. We have to recognize that it has been very difficult for all of us. We have to improve,” he said. said Julen Lopetegui after the match against Liverpool.
However, West Ham’s problems go beyond this heavy defeat; they also lost their best player, Jarrod Bowen, to Liverpool. The 28-year-old Englishman had been essential for Lopetegui, almost single-handedly securing crucial victories against Wolverhampton (2-1) and Southampton (1-0).
Manchester City vs West Ham: Predicted team line-ups
Manchester City vs West Ham: Author’s Prediction
In the last three meetings between these teams in the Premier League, all ended 3-1 in favor of West Ham. City have scored three goals against the Hammers in four consecutive matches, and their winning streak in this clash extends to five matches. Another interesting statistic: West Ham have not won a single point in their last eight visits to the Etihad. Given the defensive concerns the Hammers are facing, I expect Manchester City to extend their winning streak in this match. However, I also believe that even in the absence of Jarrod Bowen, the visitors will manage to score a consolation goal. My prediction is a victory for Manchester City with goals from both teams.
