Preview: Manchester Metropolis vs West Ham United
Manchester Metropolis are set to face West Ham United in a vital Premier League conflict on the Etihad Stadium, with each groups having a lot to play for of their pursuit of their respective targets. Because the weekend unfolds, Pep Guardiola’s facet shall be hoping to maneuver to the highest of the desk, whereas Nuno Espirito Santo’s West Ham will goal to trigger an upset and finish their current winless streak.
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Man Metropolis’s Problem to Attain the Summit
At present sitting second within the Premier League, simply two factors behind leaders Arsenal, Manchester Metropolis have the chance to leapfrog their title rivals with a win. A victory wouldn’t solely see them prime the desk on Christmas Day but in addition place further stress on Arsenal, who shall be dealing with Everton within the night match.
Pep Guardiola’s squad has confronted a couple of damage setbacks, notably the absences of Rodri, John Stones, and Jeremy Doku. These gamers will miss the encounter, including to the longer-term damage of Mateo Kovacic. Nevertheless, key figures like Erling Haaland, Ruben Dias, and Gianluigi Donnarumma, who have been rested for the midweek cup tie, are anticipated to return to the beginning lineup. With Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, and Josko Gvardiol more likely to be recalled, Manchester Metropolis will look to take care of their momentum within the league.
Picture: IMAGO
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West Ham’s Street Woes and Damage Issues
Alternatively, West Ham United are struggling to seek out their rhythm, having gone 5 matches and not using a win. Nevertheless, they’ve proven some resilience, notably on their travels, the place they continue to be unbeaten of their final three away fixtures. Regardless of their current troubles, West Ham’s stable away kind might present them with the arrogance to problem Metropolis.
Nuno Espirito Santo, the Hammers’ supervisor, shall be with out a number of key gamers, together with El Hadji Malick Diouf and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who’re away on Africa Cup of Nations responsibility. Their absence, particularly in defence, shall be a big blow for West Ham. With Niclas Fullkrug now again in coaching and probably accessible for choice, the Hammers will hope so as to add some attacking efficiency.
Key Match-up: Haaland vs West Ham Defence
The important thing battle on this fixture will undoubtedly be between Erling Haaland and West Ham’s defensive position. Given the absence of Diouf and Wan-Bissaka, the Hammers shall be severely weakened on the again, which bodes effectively for Haaland, who shall be trying so as to add to his spectacular tally this season. Metropolis’s assault is predicted to dominate, with Haaland recent and able to exploit any defensive lapses from West Ham.
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With Metropolis trying to shut the hole on the prime and West Ham hoping to regroup and discover kind, this match guarantees to be an thrilling encounter. Nevertheless, given the power of Guardiola’s squad and the defensive points dealing with West Ham, Metropolis are the clear favourites.
Prediction: Man Metropolis 3-0 West Ham
Wanting on the present kind and damage points, Manchester Metropolis are more likely to safe a snug win. West Ham could put up a struggle, however the high quality and depth of Metropolis’s squad ought to see them cruise to a 3-0 victory, placing stress on Arsenal forward of their Saturday night fixture.
Head-to-Head Report
Guardiola’s facet have a dominant document in opposition to West Ham within the Premier League, with the Metropolis supervisor remaining unbeaten in his league encounters with the Hammers. Their solely defeat got here in a penalty shootout throughout the 2021 League Cup, after a goalless draw.
Man Metropolis Wins: 66
West Ham Wins: 38
Attracts: 19