By Matt Smith
West Ham have little success at Metropolis
The Hammers haven’t gained on the Etihad since 2015, with Metropolis profitable 12 of the 13 instances they’ve confronted one another in Manchester within the Premier League. The final three video games between the 2 groups have seen Guardiola’s males safe 3-1 victories, with Metropolis profitable the reverse fixture earlier within the marketing campaign because of an Erling Haaland hat-trick.
Dias but to return
Guardiola has confirmed that Rúben Dias is ‘getting higher’, however he’s set to be unavailable to face West Ham on the weekend. Ederson has returned to coaching, and the Metropolis boss hopes he’ll again quickly.
It’s trying like Metropolis may have an identical squad towards West Ham as they did versus Leicester final outing. Offering a small replace on Rodri, Guardiola hopes that he shall be prepared on the finish of the season.
Haaland again among the many objectives
Regardless of scoring 14 Premier League objectives up to now this season, Haaland hasn’t hit the heights anticipated of him in current weeks. With the Norwegian being Metropolis’s solely out-and-out striker, when he’s struggling to seek out the again of the web, Guardiola’s facet discover it troublesome to choose up outcomes.
His attacking numbers nonetheless look freakish, however earlier than the win over Leicester Metropolis final outing, the previous Borussia Dortmund man had scored simply as soon as in seven video games. He was again among the many objectives final outing, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see him scoring with ease within the coming weeks.
Star man Bowen on the therapy desk
Julen Lopetegui has confirmed that it’s ‘not excellent news’ for Jarrod Bowen, who’s now set for a prolonged spell on the sidelines. The Hammers will now be with out their captain for the journey to the Etihad Stadium.
Elsewhere, Tomáš Souček and Guido Rodríguez are again in competition after suspension, however Łukasz Fabiański shall be unavailable.
Time for Füllkrug to step up
It’s been a disappointing begin to life at West Ham for Niclas Füllkrug, however with out their high goalscorer Bowen, he’s going to need to step up. Michail Antonio can be on the therapy desk, which means Füllkrug could make the centre-forward spot his personal.
The German worldwide hasn’t been given a lot of an opportunity to impress, however the Hammers are going to wish somebody to hold the burden left by Bowen. It could possibly be his time to stamp his authority.
Prediction
With out Bowen, it’s troublesome to see the Hammers getting a consequence at a spot they notoriously wrestle. Carrying on the pattern, we’re going for a fourth 3-1 victory in a row for Manchester Metropolis.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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