Manchester City vs West Ham: Premier League match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at the Etihad Stadium

(Getty Images)

If the pressure on Manuel Pellegrini was not already big enough, the announcement of Jurgen Klopp leaving Borussia Dortmund will only add to the nerves of the Manchester City manager.

He is not the only one to blame, his players have been poor this season, but after the 4-1 drubbing at the hands of Manchester United last weekend, City are in serious doubt of not finishing in the top four.

They are currently fourth, four points clear of Liverpool, but The Reds will have a game in hand after this weekend due to their FA Cup semi-final tie with Aston Villa – therefore leaving Sunday’s game even more important for Pellegrini and co.

City are in shocking form and have lost six of their last eight games in all competitions. However, West Ham’s form is not much better. The Hammers have won one of their last 11 games in all competitions – a severe dip in form from their impressive start to the season which had fans aiming for European football next season.

That dream was obviously far-fetched but the amount of poor performances recently is worrying and has put Sam Allardyce’s job in doubt, much like Pellegrini’s.

The only bright spark for the Manchester side is Sergio Aguero. The Argentine scored his 100th Premier League goal last weekend and he will be looking to add a few more to that tally against the Hammers.

With West Ham having nothing to play for and City needing a big win, expect the Manchester side to be fired up on Sunday for a bounce-back win.

Vincent Kompany is a doubt for the clash after coming off in last weekend’s derby while James Tomkins, Diafra Sakho and Andy Carroll are set to miss the game for West Ham.

KICK-OFF: Sunday, 1.30pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

West Ham 2 (Amalfitano, Sakho) Man City 1 (Silva), Premier League, October 2014

Man City 2 (Nasri, Kompany) West Ham 0, Premier League, May 2014

West Ham 0 Man City 3 (Negredo 2, Aguero), Capital One Cup, January 2014

STATS…

Man City have won six consecutive home games against West Ham in all competitions.

Man City have scored the most goals in the Premier League this season with 65.

ODDS…

Man City to win: 1.29

West Ham to win: 15

Draw: 6.5

TV: Live on Sky Sports 1 at 1:30pm, Highlights on BBC1 at 10.30pm.