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Hello and welcome to our live coverage of Manchester City’s Premier League trip to West Ham United.
The Blues suffered a chastening night in the Champions League in midweek, losing 3-0 to Real Madrid in the first leg of their last-16 tie.
That result means City have a mountain to climb in Tuesday’s second leg at the Etihad but before then comes tonight’s crucial top flight fixture in London.
City begin the weekend seven points behind leaders Arsenal but with a game in hand. The Gunners host Everton this afternoon and could stretch their lead ahead of City kicking off.
Pep Guardiola is likely to make changes to his team with Madrid and the Carabao Cup final with Arsenal on the horizon. Kick off is at 8pm and we’ll bring you all the build up, action, reaction and analysis right here so stay with us.
16:23KEY EVENT
Predicted XI
Pep Guardiola will be eager to see a response from his Manchester City team tonight when they travel to West Ham United in the Premier League. The Blues were second best at Real Madrid on Wednesday and the 3-0 scoreline leaves City on the verge of being knocked out.
However, Guardiola was keen to stress his focus is on the next game at the London Stadium and that winning the Premier League will prove tougher than lifting the Champions League. With seven points splitting City and league leaders Arsenal, Guardiola cannot afford to rotate too much against the Hammers.
Read our predicted XI here
16:19Alex James
Guardiola launches fierce selection defence
Guardiola launched a staunch defence of his Manchester City team selections during a passionate press conference ahead of the Premier League trip to West Ham on Saturday. The Blues boss made several bold calls for the midweek Champions League last-16 first leg tie with Real Madrid, which City lost 3-0. He defended the XI after the game but went further on Friday in an answer that saw him mimic gunfire to articulate shots fired, bring up his decisions for the 2021 Champions League final defeat to Chelsea and sign off his monologue with 'good answer'.
Guardiola was asked if he welcomed the chance to explain his selection thinking on the back of the calls in Madrid, having often spoken about the team being viewed as the correct one if City win and the wrong one if the Blues lose.
Read on here>>>
16:15Jack Flintham
How to watch tonight's game
Tonight's game will be played at the later time and will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 and Ultimate. Supporters can also stream the match via the Discovery + App. Alternatively, you can stick right here and follow all the action and City updates!
Read on here>>>
16:15Alex James
Early City team news
City return to Premier League action this weekend when they travel to West Ham United. The Blues were beaten 3-0 by Real Madrid in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie in midweek and must now refocus to ensure they keep pace with Arsenal at the top of the table.
City have the majority of their squad available, and Pep Guardiola confirmed on Friday that Erling Haaland was fit to feature. The striker sat out the win over Newcastle United in the FA Cup last weekend but played in Madrid. Here's the injury latest from the Etihad.
Read on here>>>
16:15Jack Flintham
Hello!
Good afternoon and welcome along to the City matchday blog as the Blues travel to West Ham tonight. Guardiola will be anxious to see his side respond positively after losing to Real in midweek. City could be as many as 10 points behind leaders Arsenal when they kick off as the Gunners play Everton in the evening kick off.
City are looking close to full strength heading into this game. Rico Lewis is missing with swelling on his ankle. Josko Gvardiol is a long-term absentee but Mateo Kovacic has returned to training after dealing with an ankle problem. Max Alleyne picked up a knock against Salford in the FA Cup but travelled to Madrid on Wednesday night.
Stay tuned for updates...
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