Manchester City v West Ham
Eastlands, Monday September 28, 8pm
Last meeting: (01-03-09) West Ham 1-0 Man City. Midfielder Jack Collison scored the only goal of the game at Upton Park as the Hammers got the better of moneybags City. The fans made their feelings toward Craig Bellamy clear on his return to east London following his acrimonious departure from the club in January.
The opposition: It's been a near-perfect start to the season for Mark Hughes' side. Four league wins on the bounce has announced themselves as serious top four contenders. But that run was brought to a halt by neighbours Manchester United last week. A last-gasp Michael Owen goal secured a 4-3 win for the champions.
Danger men: The Hammers will have to be wary of two former players. Carlos Tevez was a nuisance to Manchester United last week, forcing an error from keeper Ben Foster to set up his team's equaliser, while Craig Bellamy is also in fine fettle, scoring two stunning goals against the champions.
Prediction: Man City 2 West Ham 1.
Did you know? City are the only team to have scored and conceded 100 goals in the same season back in 1957/58.
Betting tip: West Ham have their work cut out against City, but Mark Hughes’ men have been far from solid at the back in recent matches. While you would expect the hosts to score, don’t be surprised if the Hammers nick one or two either, with Carlton Cole and Zavon Hines linking up especially well against Liverpool. SkyBet are offering odds of 20/1 for a 2-2 draw.
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