Premier League West Ham United vs Manchester City Preview, WHU vs MCI Dream11 Prediction, Fantasy Football Tips

Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City will look to continue their perfect start to the season as they visit the London Stadium to face West Ham United on Saturday afternoon. The Citizens are aiming for their third consecutive win, having secured victories in their opening two matches, while West Ham will be hoping to build on a recent victory to turn their early season form around.

Premier League West Ham United vs Manchester City Preview

Manchester City have dominated their recent encounters with West Ham, having completed the league double over the Hammers in each of the last two seasons. Their most recent trip to the capital saw them secure a 3-1 win, and Pep Guardiola’s men will be confident of another strong performance on Saturday.

West Ham, now under the management of Julen Lopetegui, have had a mixed start to the new season. Lopetegui began his tenure with a narrow 2-1 loss to Aston Villa, but his side bounced back with a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace last weekend. Goals from Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen, coupled with a clean sheet – their first in the Premier League since January – ended a long run without a shutout.

The Hammers continued their momentum with a 1-0 win against Bournemouth in the EFL Cup on Wednesday night. However, their late winner sparked controversy, as Mohammed Kudus’s shot appeared to deflect off Bowen’s arm before finding the net, an incident that might have been overturned had VAR been in use. West Ham’s reward for progressing to the third round is a tough away fixture against Liverpool next month.

Returning to Premier League action, West Ham face a daunting task against a Manchester City side they have not beaten in their last 17 league meetings since a 2-1 win in September 2015.

Manchester City, meanwhile, have hit the ground running this season. Pep Guardiola’s side has already added the Community Shield to their trophy cabinet and have collected maximum points from their first two Premier League games, scoring six goals and conceding just one. Four of those goals have come from Erling Haaland, who has continued his prolific form with a hat-trick in last weekend’s 4-1 victory over Ipswich Town.

City fell behind early against Ipswich after Sammie Szmodics scored on his debut, but they quickly turned the tide with three goals in four minutes. Haaland, alongside Kevin De Bruyne, was central to their comeback, which extended City’s record of Premier League wins by two or more goals to 11 matches.

The defending champions also boast an impressive away record against West Ham, having lost just once in their last 14 league visits. They remain unbeaten in their last nine trips to the London Stadium since a 2-1 defeat at Upton Park in October 2014.

Form
West Ham United Premier League Form: L-W
Manchester City Premier League Form: W-W

West Ham Starting Lineup

Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Emerson; Alvarez, Soucek; Bowen, Paqueta, Kudus; Antonio

West Ham News

West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui faces a few selection headaches, with left-back Aaron Cresswell sidelined due to a hamstring injury. He is set to undergo a scan to determine the extent of the damage. Edson Alvarez made his first start for the Hammers in midweek after recovering from a hamstring issue sustained during the Copa America, and he could retain his place in midfield alongside Tomas Soucek, Guido Rodriguez, or James Ward-Prowse.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who impressed at left-back against Bournemouth, could switch to his preferred right-back role, allowing Emerson Palmieri to return to the starting lineup. Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Paqueta, and Michail Antonio are also in contention for starting spots, with Antonio potentially replacing Niclas Fullkrug up front.

Manchester City Starting Lineup

Ederson; Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Bernardo; Savinho, De Bruyne, Doku; Haaland

Man City News

Manchester City have some injury concerns of their own. Oscar Bobb is expected to miss several months after surgery on a fractured leg, while Rodri remains a doubt but has returned to training and could feature. Phil Foden, who missed the Ipswich game due to illness, is likely to recover in time, while Mateo Kovacic is also expected to be available despite picking up a knock.

Defenders Kyle Walker and John Stones will be pushing for starting berths, but Guardiola may opt to stick with the back four of Rico Lewis, Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias, and Josko Gvardiol. Wingers Savinho and Jeremy Doku could retain their places ahead of Jack Grealish.

WHU vs MCI Dream11 Prediction

GK: Ederson

DEF: Dias, Gvardiol, Wan-Bissaka

MID: De Bruyne, Kovacic, Bernardo, Savinho, Doku 

FW: Haaland, Antonio

Who will win today’s Premier League Match?

Manchester City’s attacking prowess and historical success at the London Stadium make them clear favorites for this encounter. They have scored more goals against West Ham away from home than against any other Premier League team and have netted 25 times at the London Stadium since its opening in 2016-17 – more than any other visiting side.

While West Ham possess enough attacking talent to potentially trouble City’s defense, it is difficult to bet against the reigning champions securing a comfortable victory in the capital.

Given their strong form and potent attacking lineup, Manchester City are well-positioned to outscore West Ham and continue their winning start to the Premier League season.