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West Ham United vs. Manchester City
The title fight in the English Premier League could be decided as early as Saturday. Man City are three points clear in first place and have a much better goal difference than their big rivals from Liverpool thanks to their emphatic victories in recent weeks. So if the Skyblues win their game against West Ham on Sunday, they would be as good as English champions. It is an anniversary match against the Hammers, as it is the 100th direct encounter in the Premier League.
West Ham have been playing for the international places again for two years now, and after being in a relegation battle for a long time, they can still reach the Europa League this season. To do so, however, they will probably need two wins in their remaining two games. A Herculean task now awaits them in the form of City, which could not be more difficult. Whether we can still imagine that the Hammers take something with them, you can find out in this West Ham – Man City tip.
West Ham – Man City info:
– Date & Time: 15.05.2022, 15:00 hrs.
– Venue: London Stadium (London)
– Competition: Premier League, Matchday 37
– TV coverage: Sky Sport
West Ham Form & Balance Check
Even though the Hammers narrowly failed to beat Eintracht Frankfurt in the semi-finals of the Europa League, they can be satisfied with the way the season has gone so far. In the league they can still reach the same competition next year by their own efforts, moreover the performances have been almost thoroughly satisfactory. Even against Eintracht, much more would have been possible had Cresswell not seen that early red card. But the defeat in the EL was followed by a commanding 4-0 win over the already relegated Norwich. That win saw them take a big step towards European contention.
Does the team lack a true nine?
With West Ham being deep in the relegation battle just two years ago and now doing so well, there is really no reason to find fault with anything. Nevertheless, the team has repeatedly struggled to find goals via a clear target player in the centre. The top scorer is Jarred Bowen, a winger. Michail Antonio is always pushing himself for the team, but the Briton does not exude a great scoring threat. So if there’s one problem area for the Hammers, it’s this one.
West Ham facts & analysis
– At their own stadium, West Ham have a points average of 1.72
– In the league, they have failed to win their last two home games
– Last weekend, the team played to nil for the first time in 8 games
Man City form & balance check
The mentality in Pep Guardiola’s team is nothing short of insane. After being eliminated extremely bitterly in the semi-finals of the top division, the Skyblues simply scored five goals in each of the following two games. With Liverpool dropping points against Tottenham, the championship is now just a formality. Nevertheless, those in charge will be only partially satisfied with the current season, as the overall objective of winning the Champions League was once again missed. For this reason, the club management reacted immediately and signed Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund.
Will Haaland join Man City?
Felt like every club in the world has been keen on the Norwegian, but in the end City got the nod. Even before the season began, questions were raised as to whether the Skyblues could collectively absorb Agüero’s departure. Since the team failed once again in the premier league, this statement can only be answered in the affirmative to a limited extent. Nevertheless, Haaland will lift Man City to another level, even if he is not the classic Guardiola player. The 21-year-old brings a very different, physical element to the Citizens’ game – which can only do the team good.
Man City facts & analysis
– They have the best goal difference in the league (+72).
– In the league, City have won 8 of their last 10 matches
– Kevin de Bruyne is the top scorer with 15 goals
Predicted line-up – last update on 13 May 2022
For the home side, one or two personnel questions remain unresolved ahead of this game. Dawson had to go off injured against Norwich, so the use is uncertain. This means that Moyes could once again go for the three-man backline, with Cresswell switching from left to inside. In midfield, Soucek is an option as the Czech brings an incredible amount of physicality.
Pep Guardiola has almost all the players on board, so he is spoilt for choice. As the Hammers are likely to be a little deeper, the choice in attack will probably fall on the dribble-strong Mahrez and Foden. Cancelo is also likely to be preferred to Walker.
West Ham – Man City direct comparison & stats
This is the 100th direct meeting between the two rivals, as mentioned in the introduction. Overall, City can win this one with 51 to 32. Especially in recent years, the affairs have almost always been pro Man City.
– The first leg was won by City with 2-1.
– The Hammers’ last win in a direct comparison was 7 years ago.
– City have scored in 16 of 17 games in the second leg
