Manchester City has a habit of going to the London Stadium, claiming three points and in doing so scoring a hatful. And when you consider the respective clubs recent form does anyone seriously think anything will change.
BBC football expert Mark Lawrenson and Sky Sports Soccer Saturday pundit Paul Merson have one thing in common when predicting this afternoon’s result, and that is Manchester City will chalk up another victory.
“The international break can be a distraction for the top teams and stop their momentum, but I do not see that happening with Manchester City.
“City boss Pep Guardiola will be on to his players straight away, ensuring they have got their focus back.
“It is seven wins in a row for City in all competitions, and I think they will make it eight this weekend.
“West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini, who won the title with City in 2014, is starting to get some consistency from his attacking players like Felipe Anderson and Marko Arnautovic, but upsetting his old team is a big ask.”
Lawro predicts City will win 2-0.
The former Gooner thinks Pep Guardiola’s team will return home 3-1 winners.
“I can’t see anything other than a City win, and I can’t see anybody outside the top six beating City either this season. They are a million miles above the others, and even if they had to chase a game with 15 minutes to go, they can bring on three internationals, so they will at least get a draw.
“I think West Ham will score as Marko Arnautovic will cause problems against City’s centre halves, no doubt about that, but that is about all I can give them if I’m being honest.”
My prediction
For what it’s worth and with the greatest respect I think City will blast our former manager’s side out of the water 4-0.
Predicted lineups
Related article
West Ham vs. Man City Live Streams & Global TV Coverage (24 Nov 2018)