West Ham and Manchester City had dominant performances in the Premier League last week. They’re set to meet this weekend in a pivotal matchup between two top four teams in the league standings. There’s another big game on the horizon. Check out our preview for the Manchester United vs. Chelsea game here.
In the meantime, read on for everything you’ll need to know heading into this exciting Premier League game matchup.
[sc:Soccer ]West Ham vs. Manchester City Preview
Where: Boleyn Ground, London
When: Saturday, October 25, 7:45 AM ET
Line: Manchester City at West Ham – view all EPL lines
What’s at Stake
[sc:Soccer240banner ]Manchester City were once again dominant in their 4-1 blowout of Tottenham last week. They’ll need to maintain their winnings ways to remain within reach of Chelsea’s five-point lead in the Premier League. Meanwhile, West Ham are currently fourth in the league with 13 points, and are not out of reach in catching up to Southampton’s third-place spot.
Betting on West Ham
Diafra Sakho opened the scoring with a sublime header in West Ham’s game against Burnley on October 18. The Hammers striker would later on figure in another goal as he assisted Carlton Cole later on in the match. Sakho now has five goals in as many starts in the Premier League.
Still, Sakho isn’t the only attacking threat West Ham has. Ecuardorian forward Enner Valencia scored his second goal of the season against Burnley, assisted by Carl Jenkinson. Meanwhile, the Hammers have an excellent playmaker in Stewart Downing in the midfield. Downing is considered by West Ham manager Sam Allardyce as the best midfielder on current form. He has a goal and three assists in the Premier League.
Nevertheless, even with their offensive power, West Ham may find it difficult to break down City’s defense with the likes of Man City team captain Vincent Kompany in the backfield and excellent goalkeeping from Joe Hart.
West Ham have won back-to-back home games, outscoring their opposition 5-1, including a 3-1 victory over Premier League giants Liverpool. West Ham will be more than ready to take home another giants’ scalp from Manchester City.
West Ham are undefeated in four of their last five Premier League games.
Betting on Manchester City
Sergio Aguero is a goal-scoring machine for Manchester City. He has nine goals in six starts and two substitution appearances in the Premier League. Four of Aguero’s goals came in Man City’s match against Tottenham last week alone, three of them on penalties. Aguero should be in form heading into this match as he also netted a goal in Man City’s Champions League game against CSKA Moscow Tuesday afternoon.
The Argentinian striker also has an excellent supporting cast in David Silva, Jesus Navas and Pablo Zabaleta, who each have two goals apiece. Meanwhile, Edin Dzeko and Frank Lampard can also lend their boots for some timely goals each having scored two goals in Manchester City’s eight Premier League games.
Still, not all perfect is perfect for the defending Premier League champions. They have made their fair share of mistakes, such as defensive midfielder Fernando’s error against Tottenham which led to a conceded goal and Joe Hart conceding to Stoke on August 30.
Nevertheless, expect Man City to iron out their creases heading into this game. They’ll need the full three points as they play catch up to Chelsea in the Premier League standings.
Manchester City have won their last five matches against West Ham across all competitions.
Writer’s Prediction
Sergio Aguero has another big day as he leads Man City to a 3-1 win. Create a betting account now and make a profit from the best soccer action in the world.
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