West Ham vs Manchester City: Five things to look for

West Ham host Manchester City on Saturday morning, the Hammers are looking to continue their three-game unbeaten run in the Premier League.

Whenever Manchester City have played West Ham in recent years, it has usually ended in a thrashing. The fixture is arguably the one that frightens Hammers fans the most, the Citizens have won their last eight Premier League matches against the East London side.

Here are 5 things to look for in the City game:

1. Said Benrahma’s debut

The main event for Hammers fans this Saturday will be the opportunity for the first viewing of their new signing, Said Benrahma. The Algerian was signed dramatically late on deadline day after issues arose and were sorted in what was a hectic day.

The 25-year-old has an exhilarating playing style, one that was meant to be viewed by thousands of fans. Benrahma could be given a starting position for the Hammers after Pablo Fornals‘ disappointing performance against Spurs.

Despite Fornals poor showing, he is likely to keep his position for now. It is unlikely David Moyes will throw Benrahma into the deep end. It is expected the Algerian will have a spot on the bench, much like Jarrod Bowen when he arrived from Hull City. Even if Benrahma does start on the bench it is more than likely he will get his first Premier League minutes on Saturday.

2. City’s defensive weakness

Manchester City have spent over £100million on centre-defenders but are still have issues which is something West Ham could look to take advantage of. (Photo by MICHAEL REGAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Manchester City have started the season in mixed form, and this is partly down to their defence. The signing of Ruben Dias is supposed to fix their leaky backline, but it is something the Hammers should look to target.

The game against City will be more suited for Michail Antonio, who has nullified against Spurs deep set-up. Against City, however, the make-shift striker should have space to run into, and Antonio could be able to get behind the Citizens defence.

This could be West Ham’s best chance of scoring against the City, something they have not done since 2018 in the Premier League.

3. Return of Issa Diop?

David Moyes will have a selection headache ahead of the match against City. Most people will be debating whether or not Benrahma should start over Fornals, but the real decision is Issa Diop or Fabian Balbuena.

The Paraguayan was exposed against the pace of Son Heung-Min and risks similar task against Raheem Sterling. The 29-year-old does lack pace; something Diop has in his locker. Balbuena did look more solid in the second half and scored the first goal in West Ham’s comeback.

Diop, however, has not played since West Ham’s 2-1 defeat against Arsenal all the way back in mid-September. So Moyes will have to decide between match fitness and ability.

4. Sterling the man to stop

Sterling has been one of Manchester City’s best players against West Ham. The English international has played his part in fifteen goals against the Hammers in his career. Sterling has scored eight goals and assisted eight more in the fifteen games he has played against the Hammers.

These goals included a hat-trick in this fixture last season. In the match in the previous campaign Sterling was unplayable as City started their 2019/20 season with a 5-0 win over the Hammers.

Stopping the 25-year-old will be key for West Ham if they are to have any hope of staying in the match.

5. West Ham’s attempt to break the mould

Should the Hammers avoid defeat on Saturday, it will be the first time since 2016, when they earned a draw at Upton Park. A win could see the East London side move into the top four, providing other result go their way.

Another big loss to City, however, could see them fall down the table and most likely the end of their positive goal-difference.

After the wins against Leicester and Wolves and the dramatic comeback against Tottenham anything seems possible for West Ham’s season. A positive result against City would be confirmation of that.