Manchester City will launch on the unfortunate West Ham United

This is not the best time for reigning English Premier League champions Manchester City. They are currently behind runaway league leader Liverpool by a whopping 25 points and to add salt to the injury, they were recently suspended for two seasons by UEFA from UCL competition for violating Financial Fair Play rules.

Against the backdrop of the uncertainties surrounding the suspension and the noise it has generated, comes the reorganized major league game against West Ham United, which was initially set for Sunday of last week. The game has been rescheduled to take place today, February 19, 2020, at the Etihad Stadium, at 7:30 pm

What to expect from Manchester City players

The player’s mood has been positive, and many of the players are not distracted by the recent events surrounding the club. Leroy Sane, Benjamin Mendy and Aymeric Laporte are training with the main team again, with only Raheem Sterling injured. Players would be eager to get off to a positive start to their major league campaign which has seen some negative results in recent months.

Manchester City were humiliated 2-0 by Tottenham in their final match and it was a bitter pill to swallow for the reigning EPL champions. Recent results haven’t been too bad, with Aston Villa defeating 6-1 at Villa Park, drawing 2-2 at home to Crystal Palace and winning 1-0 against Sheffield United at home. Expect a very hungry and passionate side of town tonight!

What to expect from West Ham United

It’s so hard to see West Ham avoiding a loss to a wounded team like Manchester City. West Ham has been on the decline in the last four premier league games. Draw 1-1 at home to Everton, losing 4-1 against a very good Leicester City, losing 2-0 at home to leaders Liverpool and drawing 3-3 at home against Brighton in a match that was expected to win. They currently have some key players with injuries.

Felipe Anderson is doubtful for tonight’s match, just recovered from a back injury. Jack Wilshere has a groin injury, while his Russian star Andril Yarmolenko has a tear in his kidnapper’s muscle. It will certainly be a Herculean task to get a point from the game considering his poor form lately. However, they can still come as a surprise, as their coach, David Moyes, is an experienced tactician.

How the team can line up

Predicting Pep Guardiola’s lineup can be very difficult as he has been known to have surprises lately. However, Ederson is expected to maintain his position between the stick, with Fernandinho, Otamendi, Walker and Mendy on the baseline. Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva will occupy midfield, with Mahrez and Bernardo Silva operating on the flanks. Sergio Agüero can be trusted to lead City’s attack. Pep can call Jesús, Joao Cancelo, Laporte and Phil Foden if necessary.

For West Ham United, Lukasz Fabianski is the favorite in goal, with Angelo Ogbonna, Issa Diop, Aaron Cresswell and Ryan Fredericks defending. Veteran Mark Noble, Balbuena, Declan Rice will occupy midfield, while Michail Antonio, Tomas Soucek, Sebastien Haller and Robert Snodgrass will lead West Ham’s attack. This game is remarkable in that it may be the last homecoming for former City star Pablo Zabaleta, who is adored by City fans and family.

Results prediction

It’s hard to see West Ham escaping a loss to Manchester City. I see City grabbing all 3 points with a 4-0 win. Kun Agüero is most likely on the score sheet to add to his 16-goal tally. It will be an exciting game to watch, as City is known for its entertaining pattern of play.