The reigning champions will travel to Upton Park this Saturday, hoping to up their performance after a below par outing against Swansea City last time.
Form Guide:
West Ham:
The fans were not optimistic when the Hammers started their Premiership campaign but the shrewd tactics deployed by Sam Allardyce at home will give solace to the West Ham faithful.
While the signing of Andy Carroll from http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Liverpool-c39809 has not paid dividends yet, the club will be eager to continue their good home form, in which they have tasted only one defeat at home this season.
However, Allardyce and his troops must be careful to avoid a repeat of the Wigan display, which lacked quality and penetration up-front.
Manchester City:
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Roberto-c31294 Mancini has seen his side struggle in the last couple of games with tepid performances clouding the eventual result they gained.
Last time out, the Sky Blues managed to get the better of Swansea City in a close game but the result was flattering as http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Michael-c25261 Laudrup’s men gave the current title holders a run for their money.
With rivals Manchester United beginning to pick up steam, Mancini will be hoping that the team can click into top gear and make small work of their opponents at the Boleyn Ground.
Team News:
West Ham:
Manager Sam Allardyce will be looking to continue his good run of results at home and although he doesn’t have a fully fit squad, the tactician will be eager to welcome back Irish defender http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Guy-Demel-c15459 from a hip injury.
However, the tie comes too early for Jack Collison, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ricardo-c30950 Vaz Tê, all of whom are sidelined with injury at the moment.
Allardyce should opt for his usual line-up but will be counting on Andy Carroll to deliver the goods against City, who need to be stopped at the first possible chance, otherwise a rout could be on the cards.
Manchester City:
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Pablo-Zabaleta-c29022 are all still in the process of recovering from their respective injuries.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/David-Silva-c10601 on the other hand will be making his comeback for the cash-rich club after allegedly recovering from a Hamstring problem, allowing the manager to name his strongest lineup possible.
Yaya Toure and Gareth Barry will continue their run in the centre of the park, while Eden Dzeko and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Joe-Hart-c18699 minding the posts for this one.
Constant changing and squad rotation has threatened the team’s chances of winning silverware this term, but midfield star http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Gareth-Barry-c14423 claims that Mancini’s decisions will surely pay in the long run.
“If the manager wants to go with it you have to do your best and respect it. The lads said they worked on three at the back, as the manager wanted it as a Plan B. The players didn't seem to be overly-confident playing it.”
"At the other end of the scale he made an attacking decision at West Brom and Edin Dzeko came on and scored two goals. Those things don't get spoken about,” said the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/England-c749 International.
Author Prediction:
West Ham 1-2 Manchester City
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