Manchester City will make the challenging trip to the capital this weekend to face West Ham United in the Premier League.
The Cityzens won on their first visit to London at a relative gallop, beating Chelsea 2-0 on the opening weekend. A visit from Ipswich Town saw Pep Guardiola’s side maintain their perfect record in 2024/25, with Erling Haaland striking with a hat-trick in a 4-1 thrashing.
The reigning champions may once again have to cope without Rodri this weekend as the influential midfielder recovers from a hamstring injury sustained at Euro 2024. However, Phil Foden will return to the squad after missing the game last weekend due to injury.
Here’s how Man City could line up at the London Stadium.
GK: Ederson – The Brazilian could and probably should have done better with Sammie Szmodics’ initial effort last Saturday, getting a good touch on the striker’s shot as he dribbled past the goal line. He didn’t make another stop and will be busier this weekend.
RB: Kyle Walker – The England international is yet to make an appearance this season, but could replace Rico Lewis. With Mohammed Kudus on the home side’s left, Guardiola can call on the speedy Walker to deal with him.
CB: Rubén Dias – An understated and consistent performer for the Cityzens, Dias faces competition from John Stones for his starting spot. However, it’s a battle he’s likely to win.
CB: Manuel Akanji – Similarly, Akanji has Nathan Ake breathing down his neck, but the Swiss defender has made an impressive start to the season. It’s easy to forget that he only cost Man City £15m.
LB: Josko Guardiol The towering left-back hasn’t been able to provide the same attacking threat he did towards the end of last season, but he may be more willing to push forward if Guardiola reverts to a flat back four this weekend.
DM: Ilkay Gundogan – An unexpected return to Man City saw Gundogan embraced by the Etihad against Ipswich. He could earn a start against the Irons given the possible absence of Rodri, as long as he’s up to it Premier League speed of the match.
DM: Mateo Kovacic – Kovacic limped off against Ipswich with a knock but should be fit and firing for the trip to West Ham. He has made an impressive start to the season, including a goal against his former employers Chelsea on the opening matchday.
RW: Savinho – The relentless summer signing caused chaos in the Ipswich half last Saturday, winning a penalty and forcing a mistake for Kevin De Bruyne’s effort. He has settled in alongside Guardiola effortlessly.
AM: Kevin De Bruyne – After struggling with injuries for much of last season, Man City are delighted to have De Bruyne back. His early form in 2024/25 suggests he is already nearing his peak.
LW: Jeremy Doku – Phil Foden’s return threatens minutes for all of Man City’s attacking players, but Doku could retain his starting spot for now. A battle between the Belgian and Aaron Wan-Bissaka would be a joy to watch.
ST: Erling Haaland – Having scored three goals in his two trips to the London Stadium, Haaland will look to follow up last weekend’s hat-trick with another roll. Already pocketed four times in 2024/25.
