- Manchester City have won their last five meetings with West Ham
- Jarrod Bowen has joined the Hammers' injury list
- Recommended bet: Manchester City to win to nil

Manchester City's recent slump has left the champions a massive 14 points off the pace in the Premier League title race, having also played a game more than leaders Liverpool.

The Citizens restored some pride with their 2-0 win at Leicester on Sunday and now face a wounded West Ham team who were outclassed 5-0 by the aforementioned Anfield club later that same day.

Julen Lopetegui seems to be holding on to his job on a game-by-game basis and is unlikely to relish a trip to the Etihad Stadium, where the Hammers have not won since the opening months of the 2025-16 campaign.

They are also without a glut of key attackers and Lopetegui's defensive tactics may prevent them from challenging a City defence that kept its first clean sheet in six at the King Power Stadium.

Team news

City are still struggling to counter key midfielder Rodri's absence and could head into the transfer market after it opened on Wednesday.

Goalkeeper Ederson and defenders John Stones and Ruben Dias are also sidelined, as are midfielder Matheus Nunes and forward Oscar Bobb.

Hammers' midfield duo Tomas Soucek and Guido Rodriguez are available again after suspension.

Either or both could start, but Michail Antonio is a long-term absentee, having only just left hospital this week after suffering a foot injury in a car accident last month.

It was also confirmed on Tuesday that Jarrod Bowen faces a spell out with a fractured foot picked up during the loss to Liverpool.

The stats

Despite their poor run, City have still won five of their nine home league games this season and are unbeaten against West Ham at the Etihad since suffering a 2-1 defeat in September 2015.

That was West Ham's most recent league win against City, who have won the last five meetings, all by two or more goals.

Erling Haaland has scored seven times in that quintet of fixtures, including a hat-trick in August's reverse game.

The last three meetings have finished 3-1 in City's favour.

Prediction

City have had a troubled time and rode their luck in spells during their victory at Leicester.

Facing a West Ham side fresh from their walloping against Liverpool looks like a good chance to continue rebuilding their confidence.

Pep Guardiola is unbeaten against the Irons as a manager and his team are expected to romp to victory, with a fourth successive 3-1 victory in this fixture available at 15/2 with LiveScore Bet.

Striker Haaland is also a handy prospect but a short price to score, so it might instead be worth backing another home win to zero.

That was the outcome in the Citizens' last Etihad victory – a 3-0 triumph against Nottingham Forest – and the champions can begin 2025 with a bang.

Back Manchester City to win to zero at 5/4 with LiveScore Bet

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