West Ham take on Manchester City: Our Predictions

If there’s a ranking system for best teams in the world Manchester City probably sit atop it. West Ham face a huge task when they travel there this Wednesday, can they upset the odds.

Adam: West Ham 1-1 Manchester City

Im not being a homer or bias predictor here, but West Ham looked like they were up for a battle against Liverpool a few weeks ago and earned a draw, why can’t they against City? West Ham are unbeaten in three matches now and have conceded just three goals in that time span. Manchester City are in the midst of winning the Carabao Cup, competing in the FA Cup, battling in the Champions League and still trying to win the league – their plate is full. West Ham can capitalize on this.

I figure Arnautovic will start in this game but it’ll be atop a 4-4-1-1 formation leaving him isolated at times. That being said, it’s likely Vincent Kompany, Zinchenko, and other second-string players could be starting for City so Arnautovic can make the most of his chances against the rusty players. I like the idea of West Ham scoring a pen so chalk a goal up to Arnautovic. As for City’s goal scorer…. take your pick!

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Jeff: City 3 – 1 West Ham

Heading into this Wednesday match between West Ham United and Manchester City, lets dismiss the fact that we have had an extra two days of rest playing last on Friday, while City had to play Sunday in the Carabao Cup Final.

Lets also dismiss that City is “even more tired” than usual, having gone to Extra Time and to Penalties on their way to eventually winning the League Cup.

Finally, lets also put to bed the notion that City will be resting players in this one and doesn’t really have incentive to put forth their best effort against West Ham.

Because while all of those things may be true, it doesn’t change the fact that Man City is the best football team in Europe at the moment. And as much as I would love to see the Hammers sneak into Etihad Stadium and walk out with a result; this isn’t the 2015 version of the Irons with Dimitri Payet in the fold.

Jeremiah: 1-1 Draw

For anyone that follows West Ham or even if you have an inkling of knowledge for them you know of the frustrating “West Ham way” and I feel as if we will see it again this week.

There was definitely signs of hope and light last week with Diop and Antonio’s goals or even the attacking and placement that led to Chicha’s “goal” but this is Manchester City not Fulham. Man City in their own right have had a few downs this year and coming off of a grueling Cup final they could be tired. I have been know to be optimistic in the past and way off on predictions but I’m going with a great point away this weekday especially after that 4-0 thrashing we took back on the 24th of November.

Scott: City 2 – 0 West Ham

I think City have the best squad in World Football at the moment, especially considering the strength in depth. Even with a rotated or very tired squad they’re likely to be too good for the Hammers. This is a side that’s geared up to play weekend then midweek and when you have players like Sane and Mahrez who didn’t play at the weekend it’s going to be tough for the Hammers.

I think we’ll put in a good performance and if we get a foothold early on then I think we could sneak a point, but we’re going to be up against it. Declan Rice will need to be on top of his game and have support from Noble, and our attacking players will need to be incisive but also hold the ball up wherever possible to buy time.