Manchester City’s first Premier League clash of 2025 is a visit from struggling West Ham United.
The reigning champions had won just one of their previous 13 matches in all competitions before journeying to the King Power Stadium last weekend, but they secured an important if unconvincing victory in the East Midlands. Savinho starred in the triumph, which saw City breach the 30-point mark.
A visit from West Ham would usually appear a routine victory for Pep Guardiola’s side but their recent form has been dismal. They have won just one of their past five home games and stumbled to a 1-1 draw with Everton in their most recent Etihad outing.
The Hammers had been in improved form before their 5-0 thrashing at the hands of table-topping Liverpool, with pressure having eased on head coach Julen Lopetegui. They are now eight points above the relegation zone but will be wary of slipping back into old habits.
Guardiola has revealed that none of those missing for the trip to Leicester last weekend will be available against West Ham. Rodri and Oscar Bobb are long-term absentees, while Matheus Nunes and John Stones are both injured, too.
Ruben Dias is “getting better” according to Guardiola but will not be available against the Irons, leaving City a tad short at centre-back. The Spaniard also proclaimed that first-choice goalkeeper Ederson will return to action “soon”.
West Ham don’t have many injuries but they are missing some key personnel. They were dealt a devastating blow this week after it was revealed that talisman Jarrod Bowen had fractured his foot in the defeat to Liverpool, likely sidelining him for a lengthy period.
Michail Antonio is out for the long-term after fracturing his leg in a car crash and Lukasz Fabianski is also missing as he recovers from a head injury suffered against Southampton. Alphonse Areola returned to the XI against Liverpool and will feature from the start once again.
