Two of the top four meet on Saturday as West Ham United entertain the champions Manchester City.
West Ham United have made an impressive start to the season, winning three and drawing one of their first four matches.
Prior to the international break they edged past newly promoted Luton Town, with Kurt Zouma scoring the winner.
Manchester City are the only side with four wins from four and thrashed Fulham in their last fixture.
Erling Haaland scored another hat-trick in the 5-1 romp, with Julian Alvarez and Nathan Ake also finding the net.
Match history
Manchester City have an incredible recent record against the Hammers, unbeaten in the last 15 league meetings between the two (12 wins, 3 draws)
City won both meetings last season, including a 2-0 win at the London Stadium, with Erling Haaland scoring a brace on his debut.
Last five Premier League meetings
Manchester City 3 West Ham United 0 – 03/05/23
West Ham United 0 Manchester City 2 – 07/08/22
West Ham United 2 Manchester City 2 – 15/05/22
Manchester City 2 West Ham United 1 – 28/11/21
Manchester City 2 West Ham United 1 – 27/02/21
Team news
Tomas Soucek should recover from concussion and could start in a defensively minded midfield for the visit of the champions.
Mohammed Kudus is expected to make his first squad since joining from Ajax, but will likely be a substitute.
Alvarez will have returned late from international duty and may well have to make do with a spot on the bench here.
Mateo Kovacic and Nathan Ake both sustained injuries with their nations and although the latter was fine for Holland’s second game, both could be given a rest here.
Expected starting XI’s
West Ham United (4-3-3): Areola; Coufal, Zouma, Aguerd, Emerson; Alvarez, Ward-Prowse, Soucek; Bowen, Antonio, Paqueta
Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Rodri, Nunes; Foden, Bernardo, Doku; Haaland
Predictions
Result: Manchester City
100% record this season combined with a superb record against the Hammers
Correct Score: 1-2
It won’t be easy for the champions, a narrow win is expected
Anytime Goalscorer: Erling Haaland
Be silly to back against him wouldn’t it?
