MANCHESTER: Manchester City have a chance to seize top spot in the Premier League when they host struggling West Ham United this Saturday, before nearest challengers Arsenal face a tough test against Everton on the same day.
Pep Guardiola’s side are now two points behind Arsenal and victory over West Ham at the Etihad Stadium would see City temporarily move top of the league.
City are in convincing form having lost only once at home in their last 11 matches, in addition to recording six consecutive wins in all competitions.
Despite being plagued by injuries to key players such as Rodri and John Stones and the absence of Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait-Nouri who are on international duty, the strength of the squad and the sharpness of the attacking machinery make City the top choice against West Ham who are currently mired in the relegation zone and have not won in five matches.
The record is also in City’s favour, who are unbeaten in their last 19 league meetings against West Ham since a 2-1 home defeat in September 2015.
Arsenal, meanwhile, travel to Merseyside to face Everton, who are starting to find their rhythm after winning four of their last six matches.
Mikel Arteta’s team have looked a little shaky having won just three of their last six league games, and any defeat at Dickinson Hill Stadium could give City a psychological advantage ahead of a busy festive season.
Injury problems have also plagued Arsenal as Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhaes, Cristhian Mosquera, Max Dowman, Ben White and Martin Zubimendi reportedly did not participate in Tuesday’s training session.
This weekend’s action is also the first since several players left their respective clubs to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Sunderland are among the teams most affected when six of their players are called up for international duty.
However, Sunderland continues to steal the spotlight as they occupy eighth place and will face Brighton & Hove Albion who are in 10th place, three points behind.
Manchester United, who drew 4-4 with Bournemouth in a dramatic match on Tuesday, face a tough challenge when they travel to Aston Villa on Sunday.
Third-placed Villa are three points behind Arsenal, while United are sixth with 26 points.
Ruben Amorim’s side also lost Bryan Mbeumo, Noussair Mazraoui and Amad Diallo to AFCON.
The weekend’s competition begins with Newcastle United hosting Chelsea, while Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool each seek morale-boosting victories when they meet in a clash in North London, early Sunday morning.
At the bottom of the league, bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers are still looking for their first win of the season when they host Brentford.