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West Ham vs Manchester City: Key battles, team news and the right-back slot

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West Ham face Manchester City in the Premier League’s evening fixture as they look to do the league double over the Citizens for the first time since 1962/63.

The trip to the Etihad was one of the most memorable away wins this season under Slaven Bilic. West Ham scored two first half goals before holding on to secure a 2-1 victory thanks to superb performances from Winston Reid and Adrian.

With Sergio Aguero back among the goals, West Ham can’t afford to switch off this afternoon. In seven Premier League appearances against the Irons, Aguero has scored four goals and registered two assists. The Hammers are without their main striker Diafra Sakho, who has scored the winner in West Ham’s last two wins against City.

In terms of injury news, James Tomkins is a doubt for the Hammers after he picked up a knock in the 2-1 defeat against Newcastle last time out. This could mean a start for Carl Jenkinson at right-back as Sam Byram will not be risked so early in his West Ham career. Winston Reid should return to the starting line-up after the Hammers struggled against Newcastle in his absence. Andy Carroll (hamstring), Diafra Sakho and Manuel Lanzini (both thigh) are all unavailable.

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Jenkinson could be up against Raheem Sterling once again

Manchester City have Fernandinho available for selection but Aleksander Kolarov (calf), Eliaquim Mangala (hamstring), Vincent Kompany (calf), Samir Nasri (hamstring) and Wilfried Bony (calf) are all out.

The Hammers are coming up against a wealth of talent with the likes of David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero leading the City attack. The big battle could occur in the right-back position as Jenkinson is a defender capable of matching Sterling’s pace. There is no shortage of creativity in the City side but the Hammers certainly pose a threat of their own.

Dimitri Payet had a reasonably quiet performance against Newcastle but if he used in more of a central role this evening we may see a completely different performance from the main man himself. Bilic has options in the attacking midfield area with the likes of Enner Valencia, Michail Antonio and Victor Moses all fighting for places.

The three central midfielders against Newcastle did not work tactically and it will be surprising if Bilic adopts a similar formation in a home game regardless of the opposition.

We’ve gone with Jelavic leading the line after his encouraging 2nd half performance against Newcastle. He’ll need a lot of support from the attacking players if West Ham are to make their mark on this fixture. If the Irons are on top form, there will be goals in this one as City are more than capable of finding the back of the net.

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West Ham Premier League record against Manchester City (last 10 games):

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Current Form:

Manchester City: WDWDW

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