Last updated & checked: 10/08/2021
Facing an opponent that has recently come off a big loss is generally seen as a plus. However, this might be a rare case where it could actually be a bad omen for West Ham United. Manchester City did indeed lose 2-0 to Tottenham but, considering their pattern of bouncing back from losses with dominating performances over struggling teams, West Ham must surely be nervous heading into this one.
Having said that, they’d have plenty of reason to be concerned regardless of City’s mood. They are currently clawing their way up from the relegation drop zone, while the former champions remain one of the greatest teams in the world, even in trying times.
Manchester City vs West Ham United Prediction: Man City 4-1 West Ham
Our prediction for the winner of this match is likely one of the most obvious we have made in recent times. While anything could, of course, happen and City are no stranger to upsets, we very much consider a home side victory here as the most likely outcome. But by what margin? This is a tricky one, as while West Ham are uneven at times, their offence does regularly get results. And we have seen City concede often against smaller teams, even during overwhelming performances. With that in mind, our scoreline prediction is 4-1 to City.
Our recommended tip: Total goals over 4.5
We’ve already laid out our reasoning for thinking this is a game where lots of goals seem likely. Manchester City will be out for blood after a loss to Tottenham and a disappointing second leg (even with the aggregate victory) against Manchester United. Meanwhile, we think that West Ham, despite their flaws, have enough firepower to provide a receipt if not emerge victorious. This leaves a lot of variables in terms of the overall scoreline but perhaps less in total goals. Therefore, our recommended tip is total goals over 4.5 and you can get medium-risk 7/5 odds on this wager from BoyleSports.
Previous matches
While the overall statistical advantage of Manchester City is sizeable in this fixture, it is across the more recent meetings where they truly begin to dominate. Starting in August 2016, Manchester City have won every single game against West Ham up to this current date. That would mean a victory here would put that streak up to 10 games in a row, and we think it’s likely they’ll manage it. It’s worth pointing out that two of those victories ended in the same result as our predicted scoreline, too. No doubt, the previous matches put Manchester as heavy favourites.
Top 3 Premier League Bookies
Players to watch: Gabriel Jesus & Robert Snodgrass
Manchester City: Gabriel Jesus
With Manchester City’s last two outings hardly setting the world on fire in terms of performance, we went back to the last time they looked like the team we know they can be, and that was in their 4-0 FA Cup win over Fulham. That night, the man of the hour was the wonderful Gabriel Jesus, thanks to his dual goals in the second half within the space of minutes. That kind of firepower is something that West Ham should be very wary of.
West Ham United: Robert Snodgrass
Speaking of firepower, there is only one man coming to mind for West Ham after his performance against Brighton and that is the brilliant Robert Snodgrass. His team may have failed to get the job done but for his part – which included two goals and an assist – Snodgrass provided an effort that was no doubt worthy of victory.
