Prediction: Manchester City vs West Ham – Betting Tips, Team News, Key Facts
Verdict: Manchester City to win both halves
Best Odds: 13/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
As they turn their focus back to Premier League action on Saturday afternoon, Manchester City will host West Ham at the Etihad.
**Manchester City**
Beginning with the home side, despite losing their Premier League title last season and finishing the 2024/25 campaign without any trophies, Pep Guardiola’s squad is currently in excellent form. Following a straightforward 2-0 victory at home against Brentford in the EFL Cup earlier this week, the former Barcelona coach finds his star-studded team just two points away from rising to the top of the Premier League table. In their last Premier League outing, City demonstrated their prowess with a convincing 3-0 win against Crystal Palace. They have secured victories in all of their last six matches across various competitions. Making a notable statement in the Champions League on December 10th with a thrilling 2-1 win over Real Madrid, Saturday’s hosts have been presented with a prime opportunity this weekend.
**Manchester City Team News**
After suffering an injury in the first half against Brentford in the midweek clash, Norwegian international Oscar Bobb appears set to miss this match. Meanwhile, midfield key player Rodri remains out due to his own injury setback from last month.
Continuing to break numerous records this season and already netting an incredible 17 goals in just 16 Premier League appearances, Erling Haaland is expected to return to the starting lineup. Additionally, completing a notable Deadline Day transfer from PSG, Italian captain Gianluigi Donnarumma will take over from James Trafford as the goalkeeper.
**West Ham**
On the other hand, for the visiting team, after letting a lead slip twice last weekend and enduring growing frustration in east London with a 3-2 defeat against a high-flying Aston Villa, West Ham finds themselves embroiled in a relegation battle. Entering Saturday’s match at the Etihad, they sit three points shy of safety in the Premier League, and Nuno Espírito Santo knows he has a significant challenge ahead at the London Stadium. Having finished November with a 2-0 loss against Liverpool and failing to secure a win in their last five consecutive Premier League matches, the Hammers have also developed a reputation for their glaring defensive issues. Conceding 32 goals thus far this season, West Ham has one of the worst defensive records among England’s top teams.
**West Ham Team News**
With both headed to the 2026 AFCON, West Ham will be missing defensive players El Hadji Diouf and former Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Recently back from a shoulder injury, academy product Oliver Scarles may make his first appearance since late October.
Rumored to be eager for a January transfer away from the London Stadium, Germany international Niclas Füllkrug is not anticipated to play at the Etihad this weekend. After scoring a consolation goal against Aston Villa last weekend, captain Jarrod Bowen will be pivotal in the offensive lineup.
**Manchester City vs West Ham Key Factors to Consider**
– When Manchester City last faced West Ham at the Etihad in January, the hosts claimed a 4-1 victory.
– Guardiola’s team has triumphed in all six of their recent Premier League encounters with the Hammers.
– The Sky Blues have scored 18 goals in those six successive wins.
– West Ham has lost in their last nine consecutive visits to the Etihad.
– The Hammers have achieved only one win in the blue part of Manchester since March 2006.
**Conclusion**
As two teams battling at opposite ends of the Premier League table, it is not surprising that Manchester City is heavily favored in this matchup. With victories in their last six games across all competitions, Guardiola’s squad is close to reaching the summit of the table. After an impressive 4-1 victory when they last faced the Hammers in January, it seems challenging to envision anything other than a similar result from the Etihad this weekend.
Verdict: Manchester City to win both halves
Best Odds: 13/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
Published: 2025-12-18 04:30:00
source: www.soccernews.com
