Manchester City
Reuters

West Ham United look to take advantage of a Manchester City side that has been hit by injuries to key players when they host the champions at Upton Park.

The Hammers have had a good start to the season and are currently ninth in the league, with 14 points from nine games. This match will be their second big clash this season, after the 1-3 loss to Arsenal at home a month ago. City, who are only a point behind league leaders Chelsea and level on points with Manchester United, will hope that the Red Devils drop points against Arsenal at Old Trafford in the earlier fixture, so as to open up a gap between themselves and their fierce rivals.

Where to Watch Live

Kick-off is set for 5.30pm GMT. Live coverage will be available on ESPN UK and ESPN UK HD. Watch highlights of the game on Match of the Day on BBC One at 10.20pm.

Overview

West Ham will want to bounce back after the disappointing loss to Wigan Athletic last week, where they failed to convert their chances despite dominating the game. Sam Allardyce will be banking on Andy Carroll to open his account, following his return from injury. The England international's aerial ability could pose problems for the champions, who have been defensively suspect so far this season.

City, who are out of the League Cup and on the verge of an exit from the Champions League, have now set their eyes on lifting the Premier League trophy for the second time in succession. Roberto Mancini's men remain unbeaten in the league, and have come back from several adverse situations to clinch all three points. However, the Italian will be worried by the number of injuries to key players, and will be hoping that the players at his disposal will be able to nullify the physical threat posed by West Ham in and around the City penalty box.

Nolan - Carroll
Reuters

Form Guide

West Ham United

  • Last Five (all competitions, most recent first): L W L W L
  • Last Result: Wigan Athletic 2 - 1 West Ham United

Manchester City

  • Last Five (all competitions, most recent first): W L W W D
  • Last result: Manchester City 1 - 0 Swansea City

Team News

West Ham United: Allardyce will be without Guy Demel and Matthew Taylor, with both hoping to be back in contention in two weeks. Meanwhile Ricardo Vaz Te, Jack Collison and Alou Diarra remain long-term absentees.

Manchester City: The Citizens are having a tough time with injuries, with Micah Richards, Maicon, Jack Rodwell, Aleksandr Kolarov and David Silva all unavailable for this game. However, Mancini will be bolstered by the return to fitness of Pablo Zabaleta and Javi Garcia, while James Milner is back after serving a one-match suspension.

Possible Starting Line-ups:

West Ham United (4-4-1-1): Jaaskelainen; Tomkins, Collins, Reid, McCartney; Jarvis, Noble, Diame, Benayoun; Nolan; Carroll

Manchester City (4-4-2): Hart; Zabaleta, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy; Milner, Y Toure, Barry, Nasri; Tevez, Aguero

Manchester United FC