Manchester City can put one hand on the Premier League trophy as they travel to West Ham on Sunday afternoon.
The Citizens have the chance to pull six points clear of Liverpool, who have two games remaining and an inferior goal difference. It would be silly to bet against Pep Guardiola’s men, too, as they come into this weekend fired up since their catastrophic Champions League exit.
A 5-0 thrashing of Newcastle before thumping Wolves 5-1 last time out puts them in good stead to pick up what they need for a fourth Premier League triumph in five seasons.
Having said that, a tough test awaits them this week. David Moyes’ men, who are aiming to leapfrog Manchester United into sixth place with a victory, abruptly ended a torrid run of form with a much-needed 4-0 beating of Norwich last time out.
Here’s 90min’s preview of this encounter…
When is kick off? Sunday 15 May, 14:00 (GMT)
Where is it being played? London Stadium, London
What TV channel is it on? Sky Sports Main Event/Premier League (UK), USA Network (US)
Highlights? Sky Sports Football YouTube channel, BBC Match of the Day 2 (UK)
Who’s the referee? Anthony Taylor
Who’s the VAR? John Brooks
West Ham’s victory at Norwich didn’t come without its problems, with Craig Dawson, Michail Antonio and Said Benrahma picking up knocks at Carrow Road.
The hosts are hopeful of the former two’s availability for the visit of City, although Benrahma is a little more likely to join long-term absentee Angelo Ogbonna on the sidelines.
Issa Diop should be fit to return to the matchday squad.
Guardiola has a real defensive nightmare to deal with. Both Aymeric Laporte and makeshift centre-back Fernandinho were forced off at Wolves with knocks, making them doubtful to feature this weekend.
Should they be absent, they’ll join Ruben Dias, John Stones and Kyle Walker in the treatment room. The visitors have been given a blessing, however, with the return to fitness of Nathan Ake, who could be joined at the heart of the defence by Rodri.
Even with the incredible problems they’re suffering at the back, the wealth of options City boasts further up the pitch will give them the ability to rearrange things and still put out a team to be feared.
The Hammers picked themselves up well to bag a big win last time out and, while they have the chance to gather momentum and earn a top-six finish this season, there seems only one outcome for those facing title-hopefuls City in their current bulldozing form.
Prediction: West Ham 0-2 Manchester City
