Manchester City clash with West Ham looms, injury-plagued
City are dealing with the absence of several key players ahead of this afternoon’s clash with West Ham United, a game expected to test the depth of Guardiola’s side. The defending champions are going through a challenging period as they look to remain at the top of the Premier League table.
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Guardiola’s injury woes intensify
Guardiola’s side have been hit by a number of injuries of late, including the absence of in-form left winger Jeremy Docu and centre-back John Stones. To make matters worse, Rodri and Kovacic are still absent, which further weakens the team’s strength. On top of these concerns, young talent Oscar Bobb will also miss the majority of the season after sustaining a hamstring injury in the midweek Carabao Cup tie against Brentford.
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In addition, the African Cup of Nations also won the qualification of Rayan Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmouche, who represented Algeria and Egypt respectively. Guardiola confirmed that all injured players will be unavailable for this weekend’s games, leaving his squad quite exhausted.
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Key players will return
Despite the injury crisis, Manchester City are still expected to field a competitive squad against West Ham United. Gianluigi Donnarumma will return in goal after James Trafford made a rare start in midweek. In defence, Josco Gvardiol and Ruben Dias are likely to continue as centre-backs, with Matheus Nunez filling in at right-back. Left-back Nico O’Reilly is expected to start after being rested in the previous game against Brentford.
Midfield and attacking adjustments
In the midfield, Bernardo Silva and Nico Gonzalez may join forces with Tijani Reynders or Rayan Cherki, both of whom have been in good form recently. Cherki, in particular, stood out in midweek despite Guardiola’s candid assessment that the Frenchman was a player “sometimes you love, sometimes you hate”.
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Phil Foden is expected to feature after a brief cameo as a substitute against Brentford, replacing the injured Bob. With Doku unavailable, Foden’s return to the starting lineup seems a foregone conclusion. Likewise, Savinho scored immediately on his first start and will likely retain his place in the team. Erling Haaland, who was rested in midweek, will lead the attack.
Predicted Manchester City XI (4-2-3-1):
Donnarumma; Nunez, Dias, Gvadio, O’Reilly; Silva, Nico; Cherki, Foden, Savinho; Haaland
Injuried: Rodri, Doku, Kovacic, Bobb, Stones
International obligations: Malmouche, Ait-Nouri
Kick-off time: Saturday 20 December 2025 3pm GMT