The Hammers have a big test ahead of them this weekendplaceholder image
The Hammers have a big test ahead of them this weekend | Getty Images
A look at how the pundits see West Ham’s home clash with Manchester City going.
West Ham are back in action on Saturday when they face title hopefuls Manchester City in a tough-looking home clash. The Hammers have been in good form of late, moving to within goal difference of safety, but they must now hang in there across two tricky games against City and Aston Villa.
City were thumped by Real Madrid during the week, so they will be hungry to bounce back here, especially after falling seven points behind Arsenal with a game in-hand to play. Pep Guardiola’s men can ill-afford another slip-up.
Here we round up the predictions from SportsKeeda’s Paul Merson and BBC Sport’s Chris Sutton for this game.
Paul Merson
“After the loss against Real Madrid, this has become a really tough game for Manchester City. It was an unreal result, isn't it? I watch a lot of Real Madrid and I'm a big fan of theirs, but I didn't see that coming, if I'm being honest!
“Man City literally got destroyed. The only thing that probably went in their favour was the missed penalty. We know how Manchester City are and Real Madrid will not sit back in the second leg. If City can find an early goal, we have a game on our hands at the Etihad next week.
“If City don't beat West Ham this weekend and Arsenal win against Everton, the title race is done! After the second leg against Real Madrid, they face Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final as well.
“So this is a big week coming up for City. If things don't go in their favour, they could be out of all competitions bar the FA Cup in the space of 10 days. Like I said, that loss to Real Madrid would have taken the stuffing out of them. It saps your confidence. I don't expect City to bounce back this weekend. A draw here that would end their hopes of catching Arsenal in the title race. Prediction: West Ham United 2-2 Manchester City.”
Chris Sutton
“Manchester City have not lost to West Ham in the league since 2015 but this will be a test for them. The Hammers are desperate for points, while City melted in Madrid in midweek. From 3-0 down, I can't see them turning that tie around on Tuesday.
“This is a big few weeks for Pep Guardiola's side, who have got Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final, Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals and are clinging on in Europe. At the moment the Quadruple is still on for City but at the moment you'd say they are far more likely to end up with a trophyless season than they are to win all four.
“West Ham surprised me by beating Fulham in their last league game but I am still not convinced by them at home. This will be tricky for City but I think they will edge it. Everyone else seems to have lost faith in Erling Haaland, but not me. He will score, and City will win. Prediction: 1-2.”
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