Premier League 2025-2026: Manchester City-West Ham United, the likely lineups

Manchester City-West Ham is certainly one of the most interesting matches of the Premier League weekend, a game that could have significant weight in the title race and the salvation fight. The Mancunians are coming off six consecutive wins in all competitions and have regained pace, confidence and continuity after an uncertain start to the season. On the other side, a West Ham struggling to stay in the top league seeks heavy points on a very difficult pitch anyway.

Manchester City comes to the challenge with several heavy absences, especially in the middle of the field and on the outside lanes. Rodri and Kovacic remain unavailable, forcing Guardiola to confirm Nico in the box. Doku and Bobb are also out, while John Stones will still be missing in defense. Despite the Carabao Cup rotations, some of the key players from the match against Brentford, such as O’Reilly and Cherki, look set to keep their places.

West Ham arrive at the Etihad Stadium with a complicated standings situation, but with greater solidity since Nuno Espirito Santo took over the team. Wins remain rare, but the team concedes less and tries to stay hooked on the salvation train. The return of Füllkrug, waiting to figure out his future, is good news, although the Hammers will have to do without full-backs Wan-Bissaka and Diouf, who are committed to the African Cup of Nations. A switch to a five-man defense is therefore possible, with Scarles and Walker-Peters on the outsides and Bowen an offensive reference.

Probable formations

Francesco Lucivero

Manchester City (4-1-4-1): Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Gonzalez; Silva, Cherki, Foden, Savinho; Haaland. All. Guardiola.

West Ham (3-4-2-1): Areola; Mavropanos, Kilman, Todibo; Walker-Peters, Potts, Magassa, Scarles; Fernandes, Paquetá; Bowen. All. Espirito Santo.

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