Normal service was resumed last weekend as Manchester City returned to the top of the Premier League and Pep Guardiola’s men will attempt to make it three wins from three on Saturday when they head to the London Stadium to face West Ham United. The Hammers picked up their first points of the season last weekend with an excellent 2-0 win over Crystal Palace, but Julen Lopetegui’s side face a huge test against an already flourishing City side.
Erling Haaland smashed a sumptuous hat-trick last weekend in a 4-1 win over Ipswich and the Norwegian sensation is sure to be a huge threat again and City head into the contest as the 2/5 favourites with bet365. It’s been 20 meetings since West Ham managed to beat City, so it’s no shock to see them huge 13/2 outsiders with William Hill, while the draw is available at 9/2 with BetMGM.
West Ham v Manchester City Tips
Tip #1 – Manchester City to win by 2 goals @ 100/30 with bet365
Manchester City can often take a while to get going in the Premier League, but two wins from two in the league this season has seen the Cityzens fly out of the traps. A dominant 4-1 victory over Ipswich last weekend saw them outclass the newly promoted Tractor Boys and it could be another tough afternoon for their opponents on Saturday and this time it could be West Ham that feel the full force of Guardiola’s side.
As mentioned above, the Hammers have a shoddy record against City, but at 2/5 there’s no value in the win market. So, you have to look elsewhere and the 100/30 with bet365 for City to win by 2 goals looks the way to go. They won both matches last season against West Ham 3-1, which would’ve seen the bet land, so it’s hard to look past them not getting a two-goal lead again and then shutting up shop.
Tip #2 – Vladimir Coufal to be shown a card @ 7/2 with Paddy Power/Betfair
It could prove to be a tough afternoon for West Ham full-back Vladimir Coufal, who could have the unenviable task of trying to keep Jeremy Doku quiet down the win. The Czech international has already picked up 19 yellow cards and two reds during his 127 appearances in the Premier League and he will certainly be looking to keep Doku quiet from minute one.
However, the Belgian winger’s brilliance in a one-on-one situation will test Coufal’s defensive skills and it would be no surprise to see him pick up a yellow card and the 7/2 for him to be shown a card looks a very solid bet.
West Ham Performances So Far
Beaten by Aston Villa in the first match of the season, West Ham bounced back with an excellent 2-0 win at Selhurst Park against Crystal Palace, while on Wednesday night they edged past Bournemouth 1-0 in the Carabao Cup. Looking for three wins in a week, the Hammers are up against it against Manchester City, but they will be full of confidence facing the champions.
West Ham Results So Far
Saturday 17th August – West Ham 1-2 Aston Villa
Saturday 24th August – Crystal Palace 0-2 West Ham
Wednesday 28th August – West Ham 1-0 Bournemouth – Carabao Cup
Manchester City Performances So Far
A penalty success over rivals Manchester United in the Community Shield handed Manchester City their first piece of silverware and chasing a record-breaking fifth Premier League in a row this season Guardiola’s men have hit the ground running. A classy 2-0 win over Chelsea in the first game of the season was followed by an authoritative 4-1 win over Premier League minnows Ipswich Town and they will be confident to make it nine points from three games in Saturday’s teatime kick-off.
Manchester City Results So Far
Saturday 10th August – Manchester City 1-1 Manchester United – Community Shield
Sunday 18th August – Chelsea 0-2 Manchester City
Saturday 24th August – Manchester City 4-1 Ipswich Town
