Manchester City FC vs West Ham United FC, English Premier League 2024-25, Today Match Prediction

Manchester City FC vs West Ham United FC Match Prediction & Analysis

Guardiola's 500th game in charge of Manchester City was far from a celebration. A narrow win over Leicester City offered a glimmer of hope after a disappointing start to the season. The reigning champions are a distant 14 points behind Liverpool and facing their worst managerial crisis yet. While goals from Savinho and Haaland provided relief, Guardiola will need to quickly address the team's struggles to regain their dominant form.

West Ham United are facing mounting pressure after a 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Liverpool. 1  Lopetegui's side were completely outclassed, with only Kudus offering any resistance. Despite a significant summer investment, the Hammers have failed to live up to expectations, leaving fans and the board questioning the team's direction. A victory against Manchester City would provide a much-needed boost to their confidence and alleviate some of the growing pressure on Lopetegui.   

Head to Head Record - Both teams have played each other 47 times. Man City have won 30 games, West Ham have won 9, with 8 games ending in a draw. City have scored 89 goals against the Hammers. West Ham have scored 43 against City. 

Current Standings - The reigning champions currently sit in 6th with 31 points. West Ham are in 13th with 23 points.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Manchester City FC Preview

The reigning champions possess a sublime record against the Hammers. David Moyes’ teams had to struggle when it came to playing Guardiola’s guessing game. But now with a new manager at the helm, things could work differently. City have won 14 of their past 15 Premier League home fixtures against the Hammers - losing once. The Etihad has recently experienced a quiet, anxious atmosphere after visits by Everton and Manchester United. 

Guardiola’s men failed to win both those games. West Ham are a tricky side to deal with. Mohammad Kudus who scored a worldie at the Etihad will be difficult to deal with. City are currently struggling at the back because of injuries. A clean sheet in their previous game will give them added confidence going into this one. Pep Guardiola has won all Premier League games against West Ham with only Wenger possessing a better home win rate record against Liecester and Stoke. 

Player to Watch Out For

Erling Haaland may not have been firing on all cylinders. The Norwegian, has experienced a recent slump but did eventually get his goal last time out against Leicester. Playing as a striker when your team is struggling for form, can be a lonely place to be. Yet, last year’s golden boot winner has been putting in the effort, by making intelligent runs and pressurising opponent centre backs. The Norwegian has scored 7 goals in just 5 Premier League fixtures against West Ham, and will look to be adding more to his tally. 

Injury - Bobb, Rodri, Dias, Ederson, Nunes and Stones are out injured. 

Man City probable XI - Ortega (GK), Lewis, Akanji, Ake, Gvardiol (DEF), Kovacic, Savinho, Silva, De Bruyne, Foden (MID), Haaland (FWD). 

West Ham United FC Preview

West Ham possess an abysmal record against the reigning champions. They’re currently on a record winless run against the Cityzens. In their past 24 Premier League fixtures, the Hammers have at least conceded 1. Keeping clean sheets has been foreign to this club against what used to be a formidable Man City team. But this time round things are different with City facing numerous setbacks. Lopetegui’s men can benefit from this situation and send out a statement. 

The Hammers are masters of opening a calendar year with a win - they’ve not lost an opening game in 7 calendar years - winning 4 and drawing 3. After badly losing to Liverpool, West Ham were the side that conceded the most goals in the Premier League in 2024 (79). Lopetegui will need to put a defensive lid on that in 2025 by urging his team to defend in a closed, compact way.

Player to look out for

The Spanish boss will be hoping Jarod Bowen will be available for his next Premier League game. The importance of the Englishman cannot be stressed enough. Jarod Bowen has now been involved in 10 goals and 6 assists in 16 away Premier League games since the start of last season. That is double than most of his teammates. Only Antonio who scored 36 goals and registered 11 assists and Mark Noble who scored 20 goals and registered 13 assists possess better numbers in away games for West Ham than Bowen’s 14 goals and 17 assists. 

Injury - Antonio, Kilman, Bowen and Fabianski are out injured.

West Ham probable XI - Areola (GK), Coufal, Mavroponas, Wan-Bissaka, Creswell (DEF), Pacqueta, Alvarez, Kudus, Soler, Ederson (MID), Fullkrug (FWD). 

MANCHESTER CITY FC vs WEST HAM UNITED FC
Winning Prediction

Man City have been all over the place recently. But, their recent win will surely boost hope and confidence. The reigning champions haven’t particularly been the worst, but in moments have been a shadow of their previous selves. Guardiola knows how to win against the East London side, who recently got annihilated on home soil against Liverpool. City will look to open the new year on a high and return to winning ways at the Etihad Stadium. 

Manchester City FC to Win (2-1)

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