Manchester City are looking for a much-needed win in their first game of the new year, against West Ham United on Saturday afternoon.
The Cityzens ended their five-match winless streak against Leicester City last time out, but looked far from convincing in a 2-0 triumph. Injuries and a lack of confidence continue to affect the reigning champions, who are looking for back-to-back wins in any competition for the first time since late October.
The absences of Ruben Dias and Rodri will undoubtedly unsettle Saturday’s hosts, who have struggled defensively over the past few months, but back-to-back wins could act as a catalyst for Pep Guardiola’s side to attack in the second half of the season.
Here’s how City could line up against West Ham.
GK: Stefan Ortega – Ederson will again be missing for Man City as he recovers from a knee injury, with Ortega replacing him on Saturday. The German is a capable substitute and will be looking for a second straight shutout.
CB: Manuel Akanji – Man City’s recent defensive woes have not been the fault of Akanji, who has been consistent throughout a difficult period. He made an important clearance against Leicester and will relish a physical battle with Niclas Fullkrug this weekend.
CB: Nathan Ake – With the absence of John Stones and Dias, Ake’s importance is heightened. The Dutch defender is set to line up in midfield in a hybrid and flexible back three, starting his third straight game since returning from injury.
CB: Josko Guardiol – Guardiola’s form is alarming this season. The Croatian seems to make noticeable mistakes every week, and even his goal threat at the other end can’t overshadow some consistently shaky displays.
DM: Rico Lewis – Lewis is likely to accept his role at inverted right-back on Saturday, but will see most of the action in midfield.
DM: Mateo Kovačić – The midfielder has done a decent impression of Rodrigo at times this term and has been excellent at the King Power Stadium. City need some big performances from him until their talismanic Spanish midfielder returns from injury.
RM: Phil Foden – It’s still a long way from the lofty standards he set for himself last season, but Foden is always capable of serving up a bit of magic. Persistent efforts forced Man City to score first against Leicester last time out.
CM: Kevin De Bruyne – De Bruyne has yet to put in some incredible performances since his return from injury. Perhaps time will catch up with the exceptional Belgian, whose contract expires this summer.
CM: Bernardo Silva – Silva scored a fortuitous goal in City’s last outing at the Etihad and has the ability to play a range of functions in midfield.
LM: Savinho – It took four months, but Savinho finally got the tag of English football in the King Power. Limited goal and assist the best performance by a Brazilian in a sky blue shirt but Guardiola demanded even more from the energetic winger.
ST: Erling Haaland – Haaland’s four-goal drought ended in Leicester, and the Norwegian sealed the points with a composed header. However, he still misses some big chances and has a lower than expected number of goals per game Premier League with almost three shots.
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