It is not the best of times for reigning English Premier League champions Manchester City. They are currently behind league leaders Liverpool by a whopping 25 points and, to add insult to injury, UEFA recently suspended them for two seasons from UCL competition for breaching financial fair play rules.
Against the backdrop of the uncertainties surrounding the suspension and the noise it has generated comes the re-arranged main league game against West Ham United, which was initially set for Sunday last week. The game has been rescheduled for today, February 19, 2020, at the Etihad Stadium at 7:30 p.m.
What to expect from Manchester City players
Player mood has been positive, with many of the players not being distracted by recent events surrounding the club. Leroy Sane, Benjamin Mendy and Aymeric Laporte are training back with the main team, with only Raheem Sterling injured. The players would be keen 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 by Tottenham 2-0 in their last match and it was a bitter pill to swallow for the reigning EPL champions. Recent results haven’t been too bad, with Aston Villa losing 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 avoid a loss to an injured team like Manchester City. West Ham have been in decline for the last four Premier League games. They drew 1-1 at home to Everton, lost 4-1 to a very good Leicester City team, lost 2-0 at home to runaway leaders Liverpool and drew 3-3 at home to Brighton in a game that he was expected to win. They currently have some key players injured.
Felipe Anderson is a doubt for tonight’s match, having just recovered from a back injury. Jack Wilshere has a groin injury, while his Russian star Andril Yarmolenko has a tear in his groin muscle. It will certainly be a herculean task to get a game point considering his losing streak lately. However, they can still spring an upset as their coach David Moyes is an experienced tactician.
How can the team line up?
Predicting Pep Guardiola’s line-up can be very difficult as he has been known to surprise lately. However, Ederson is expected to hold his position at the post, with Fernandinho, Otamendi, Walker and Mendy forming the back line. Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva will fill the midfield, with Mahrez and Bernardo Silva operating on the flanks. Sergio Aguero can be trusted to lead City’s attack. Pep can call Jesus, 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 fill the midfield, while Michail Antonio, Tomas Soucek, Sebastien Haller and Robert Snodgrass will lead West Ham’s attack. This game is notable 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 Aguero will most likely be on the score sheet to add to his tally of 16 goals. It will be an exciting game to watch as City are known for their entertaining pattern of play.