This weekend's Premier League early kickoff sees West Ham United host Manchester City at Upton Park, with the Hammers looking to continue the form that has propelled them up into a remarkable fourth place after eight games of the season. Considering many Hammers supporters were calling for Sam Allardyce's head in the summer, it's an outstanding turnaround.
West Ham United vs. Manchester City live stream: How to watch the EPL online
The fun is back at Upton Park, but West Ham are unlikely to have enough to see off Manchester City on Saturday.
However, they’re unlikely to continue their form beyond Saturday, as the another of the league’s in-form sides, second-placed Manchester City, come to town. The Citizens haven’t looked perfect this season, with their defence in particular looking a weak spot. But there’s no better player in the Premier League at present than Sergio Agüero, and he alone will be enough to have the Hammers’ defenders quaking in their boots.
Key player - Sergio Agüero (Manchester City)
Think Diego Costa is by far and away the best player in the Premier League at the moment? Think again. Sergio Agüero seem to have finally brushed off the injury problems that have dogged him for the last season or two, and the 26-year-old is now finally living up to his potential. He’s started just six Premier League games but scored nine goals, and he’s tied with Costa atop the top scorer rankings. Don’t be surprised if he surges into a lead after this match.
Key matchup - Diafra Sakho vs. City's defence
However, Agüero isn’t the only on-form striker who’ll be strutting his stuff at Upton Park on Saturday. West Ham have their star man in Diafra Sakho, who has made a dream start since moving to the Premier League since French side Metz in the summer. The Senegalese forward has netted five goals in his first six appearances, and considering hed never played a top-flight match in any league since joining a few months back, it’s a remarkable start.
West Ham United injuries and suspensions
Out: Andy Carroll (ankle). In doubt: Mauro Zárate (knock), James Tomkins (thigh), Cheikhou Kouyaté (groin), Guy Demel (thigh).
Manchester City injuries and suspensions
Out: Samir Nasri (groin), Frank Lampard (thigh), In doubt: None.
West Ham will certainly be without Andy Carroll, but they’re hopeful of having four other players back at the disposal of Allardyce. City, meanwhile, will be without both Samir Nasri and Frank Lampard, but otherwise should all be fully fit.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 12:45 p.m. local, 7:45 a.m. ET
Venue: Upton Park, London, England
TV: NBCSN, Mun2 (U.S.), TSN4, TSN1, RDS (Canada), BT Sport 1 (U.K.)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra, Deportes Telemundo En Vivo (U.S.), BT Sport 1 (U.K.)
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