By now, Manchester City would've been hoping to be several points clear at the top of the Premier League table. After all, they boast what is probably the strongest squad in the entire division. In reality, Manuel Pellegrini's side find themselves down in third place, a point in arrears of both Arsenal and Leicester City, having also been dogged by a peculiar inconsistency. If they're to stand any chance of leapfrogging their title rivals to the Premier League's summit this weekend, they're going to have to pick up a point or three away at West Ham United.
Manchester City vs. West Ham 2016 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Title hopefuls Manchester City face a tough trip to West Ham on Saturday.
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That’s a task easier said than done, with the Hammers enjoying a wonderful campaign under Premier League managerial debutant Slaven Bilić. The Croatian’s fine leadership has given West Ham a very real chance of qualifying for the Europa League, with attractive, intelligent football. They’ve only been beaten twice in front of their home fans so far this season, and City should be heading to London’s East End for Saturday’s late kickoff expecting a very difficult match.
Key player: Sergio Agüero (Manchester City)
Had Argentine striker Sergio Agüero not suffered with his usual injury problems for much of the season so far, Manchester City may by now have been cruising to the title. As it is, Agüero has made two fewer appearances than City's backup striker Wilfried Bony, and has tellingly scored over twice as many goals. He's a cut above any other forward plying their trade in England, and if he manages to stay fit for the remainder of the campaign, it'll boost the Blues' title hopes enormously.
Recent history
Manchester City went through a five-year phase from September 2009 to October 2014 in which they played West Ham 10 times in all competitions, winning eight, drawing two, and losing none. However, in line with the Hammers’ resurgence over the last couple of seasons, City have actually lost two of the last three of these sides’ meetings. That means depending on how ‘recent’ you’re looking, the recent history between these teams can give either club the edge.
West Ham United injuries and suspensions
Out: Andy Carroll (knock); Diafra Sakho (hamstring); Manuel Lanzini (thigh). In doubt: None.
Manchester City injuries and suspensions
Out: Samir Nasri (hamstring); Vincent Kompany (calf). In doubt: Eliaquim Mangala (hamstring); Aleksandar Kolarov (calf); Fernandinho (knock).
The Hammers have three attacking absentees, though the injuries to strikers Carroll and Sakho are rather less frustrating than the one sustained by playmaker Lanzini, who was one of the Hammers’ top performers through the first half of the season.
Meanwhile, City will still be without captain Kompany, while attacking midfielder Nasri continues to recover from hamstring surgery he had in November. Defenders Mangala and Kolarov are both doubts, though Fernandinho is expected to be included in the matchday squad after recovering from a knock.
Match date/time: Saturday, 12:30 p.m. ET, 5:30 p.m. local
Venue: Upton Park, London, England
TV: NBC (US - English); NBC Universo (US - Spanish); Sportsnet One (Canada); Sky Sports 1/HD (UK)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (US - English); NBC Deportes En Vivo Extra (US - Spanish); Sportsnet World Now (Canada); Sky Go (UK)
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