Predicted 4-1-4-1 West Ham XI to face Manchester City in the Premier League
West Ham will be disappointed with their 1-1 draw against Huddersfield Town before the international break after a 4-2 win over Burnley and the Hammers will be up against it when they play host to table-toppers and reigning champions Manchester City on Saturday.
West Ham’s campaign has been marred to a large extent by injuries to several of their key players and Manchester City will be the outright favourites to claim all three points from this fixture.
Pep Guardiola’s men are scoring goals for fun this season, having already netted 36 in the Premier League and they will be in high spirits after a dominating 3-1 win over rivals Manchester United in their last game.
Team News
Manuel Pellegrini has plenty of injuries to contend with for Saturday’s clash. Andriy Yarmolenko, Carlos Sanchez, Manuel Lanzini, Andy Carroll, Winston Reid, Jack Wilshere and Ryan Fredericks are all ruled out with injuries while Robert Snodgrass is suspended for picking up five yellow cards. Mark Noble will be available for selection following a three-game ban.
Formation: 4-1-4-1
Manager: Manuel Pellegrini
Predicted XI
1. Lukasz Fabianski (GK)
The Polish veteran has put in multiple solid shifts between the sticks in the Premier League this term and should retain his position between the sticks.
2. Pablo Zabaleta (RB)
The veteran has done reasonably well for the Hammers this season, contributing equally to both the attack and the defence.
3. Fabian Balbuena (CB)
His physicality and aerial prowess are valuable assets to West Ham’s backline.
4. Issa Diop (CB)
He has justified his huge price tag by putting in some solid shifts at the back and he will need to be at the top of his game against a potent City attack.
5. Aaron Cresswell (LB)
Artur Masuaku has looked quite unstable at the back and the Englishman should continue in the left-back position.
6. Declan Rice (CDM)
The youngster has been making the headlines with his consistently remarkable performances this season and it will be interesting to watch him play against the best team in the league.
7. Grady Diangana (RM)
The youngster has done a great job in Yarmolenko’s absence, adding impetus to the attack with his pace, flair and intelligence.
8. Pedro Obiang (RCM)
The Spaniard hasn’t looked at his best since making a comeback from an injury and he will need to be at the top of his game this weekend.
9. Mark Noble (LCM)
West Ham should be buoyed by the return of their talisman after serving a three-game suspension for the red card that he had picked up against Leicester.
10. Felipe Anderson (LM)
The Brazilian has been in scintillating form recently and Pellegrini will be expecting him to continue his good work.
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11. Marko Arnautovic (ST)
The Austrian has been finding the net on a consistent basis this season and the onus will be on him to deliver the goods once again.
