English Premier League: West Ham face Manchester City for a vital three points

Far from decided and a battle looking to last till the final day of the season – is the battle to stay in the Premier League. West Ham have the trickiest of tasks today when they take on champions, Manchester City.

With results going absolutely ape yesterday and the point gap lessening between league positions, 11th place Crystal Palace, and 18th place Southampton – the fight for the last relegation spot is wide open.

Some teams have three fixtures left to play [nine points] and others two games left to play [six points], any significant loss or win, could change the fate for any of these teams between 11th and 18th place. The point gap between 11th and 18th place is only six points – this gives evidence of how tight the fight was whole season.

The Hammers have their work cut out for them. They will be the labourers while Pep’s men will be the managing directors – dictating the play of the game. West Ham would have hoped City had more to worry about after already winning the league. Unfortunately, the league and breaking league records is all this City team can do. It will not be an easy game for West Ham.

Hammers not in a good situation

David Moyes has seen an undeniably poor end to the season after only winning one game from their last six fixtures. There is no surprise to their league position because managing to collect six points from the twelve.

The situation worsens when considering the reverse fixture and the Citizens won the game 2-1 back at the Etihad. The other thing – the last time these two met at this venue, the visiting team was unmatched and blew four goals past them with no answer.

A trip to Leicester City and two games to host against City’s neighbours, United and the Blues of Liverpool, Everton. It looks like an uphill climb for the Hammers. If they can make something of todays match, which is near impossible – they can build and take the game to a struggling Leicester City. Steal a point or three from United or Everton – and life could be looking better for this poorly constructed team.

Manchester City needs no speech – just keep doing what they do best

All focus directed into one goal now, making it hard for anyone to ever replicate their winning campaign. They know what they need to do and they have no trouble in doing it.

A fit City team to pick from for Guardiola and no big fixtures to think about before the season concludes. The fact West Ham have trained without the ball, gives the impression of how this game will pan out.

Next: Spurs must find a ruthless streak

Nothing suggests Moyes stand a strong chance and that the blues of Manchester will struggle against West Ham. Maybe only one attribute stands against the visiting team – West Ham have only lost one of their last home fixtures. Weird stat considering they have been so poor since moving from Upton Park.

Only one win stands in their way of equalling the best record set by Chelsea in the Premier League. Once they surpass this feet – they will go on and break the record, in an almost flawless league run. Only Liverpool and Manchester United were able to beat the champs, pretty sure it will stay that way after today’s first fixture.

Going for a strong Man City display and a well-fought display from the Hammers. The outcome of the tie will go in favour of Man City.