West Ham United vs Manchester City preview: Sergio Aguero returns to squad

By Ric Turner, Tue 31 January 2017 16:01


West Ham United vs Manchester City preview: Sergio Aguero returns to squadCity virtually at full strength for trip to London Stadium

West Ham United vs Manchester City

Competition: F.A. Premier League

Date: 7.45pm, Wednesday 1st February 2017

Venue: London Stadium, East London

Referee: Kevin Friend Assistants: A Nunn, D Cann Fourth Official: J Moss

Odds: West Ham 9/2, Draw 7/2, City 4/7

Tickets: Sold out

TV: BT Sport

West Ham United

Manager: Slaven Bilic

Squad (from): Randolph, Adrian, Spiegel, Reid, Cresswell, Collins, Byram, Oxford, Kouyate, Obiang, Noble, Antonio, Carroll, Nordtvelt, Feghouli, Ayew, Calleri, Fletcher, Fernandes, Lanzini

Injured: Sakho, Tore, Masuaku, Arbeloa, Ogbonna

Doubtful: Noble, Carroll

Suspended: None

Form guide: WWLLLW

Manchester City

Manager: Pep Guardiola

Squad (from): Bravo, Caballero, Gunn, Adarabioyo, Clichy, Kolarov, Otamendi, Sagna, Stones, Zabaleta, De Bruyne, Fernando, Garcia, Navas, Silva, Sterling, Toure, Aguero, Iheanacho, Nolito

Injured: Gundogan

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Form guide: WDLWWL

Sergio Aguero is available again after missing the FA Cup victory at Selhurst Park, whilst Fernandinho is named in the squad after finishing a four match suspension. Ilkay Gundogan, out for the season with a knee injury, is the only absentee for City's second visit to the London Stadium in four weeks.

“Yes, he [Aguero] trained with the team so he is ready,” Guardiola said.

“Fernandinho is so important. We play a lot of games without him. I am happy he is back. Of course, it is important for us.”

“He’s not an aggressive player,” he said. “He’s a tough player, intense player. He’s one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met and when you are a nice guy off the pitch you are a nice guy on the pitch.

“We accept the ban and don’t complain - but he’s not an aggressive guy.”

City's last away game at West Ham ended in a 5-0 win in the FA Cup just four weeks ago, withYaya Toure, David Silva, Sergio Aguero and John Stones amongst City's goalscorers. Overall City have won 50 of the 104 games played against West Ham, with 17 draws and 37 defeats.

Predicted line-up: Bravo, Zabaleta, Otamendi, Kolarov, Clichy, Fernandinho, Toure, Silva, De Bruyne, Sterling, Aguero

Score prediction: West Ham 1 City 2