Confidence has started to grow among supporters of West Ham United ahead of their meeting with Manchester City, and it is not difficult to see why.
City, led by Pep Guardiola, have looked less dominant in recent weeks, while West Ham appear to have rediscovered some form at a crucial stage of the campaign.
For much of the last decade, Manchester City have been a benchmark for consistency in the Premier League.
However, the aura surrounding Guardiola’s team has shown signs of vulnerability lately. A demanding schedule across domestic and European competitions has taken its toll, and results have not always matched expectations.
That situation has encouraged optimism among West Ham fans who believe their side could take advantage. Their team is battling hard for points and trying to steer clear of trouble, while City are juggling several competitions at once.
Despite this, former England striker and pundit Chris Sutton is not convinced that West Ham will be able to capitalise on the opportunity.
Writing in his column for BBC Sport, Sutton predicted a narrow victory for the Cityzens.
He wrote: “Manchester City have not lost to West Ham in the league since 2015 but this will be a test for them.”
Sutton also highlighted the different pressures facing both clubs. West Ham are pushing hard for results to strengthen their position, while City are dealing with the aftermath of a difficult European outing.
He continued: “The Hammers are desperate for points, while City melted in Madrid in midweek. From 3-0 down, I can’t see them turning that tie around on Tuesday.”
City’s midweek setback has placed additional focus on the upcoming weeks, which could shape the outcome of their entire season.
With domestic cups and European commitments all demanding attention, Guardiola’s squad faces an intense period.
Sutton explained: “This is a big few weeks for Pep Guardiola’s side, who have got Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final, Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals and are clinging on in Europe.”
Those fixtures include a final against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup and a meeting with Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals, alongside their European campaign. It is a schedule that could deliver glory—or disappointment—depending on how the team responds.
Sutton added: “At the moment the Quadruple is still on for City but at the moment you’d say they are far more likely to end up with a trophyless season than they are to win all four.”
Although Sutton ultimately expects Manchester City to come out on top, West Ham’s recent results suggest they should not be dismissed lightly.
The side managed by Nuno Espírito Santo surprised many observers with their victory over Fulham in their most recent league outing. That performance gave supporters renewed belief that the team is capable of competing with stronger opponents.
Sutton acknowledged the result but admitted he still has reservations about West Ham’s performances at their home ground, the London Stadium.
He wrote: “West Ham surprised me by beating Fulham in their last league game but I am still not convinced by them at home.”
The pundit believes the atmosphere surrounding the stadium can sometimes work against the team. In his view, lingering frustration among supporters about the venue occasionally creates a tense environment rather than a supportive one.
There may be some logic behind that argument. Since moving to the London Stadium several years ago, debates about the ground have continued among sections of the fanbase. Some supporters feel it lacks the intimidating feel of their former home at Upton Park.
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However, recent results indicate the stadium has not been entirely unkind to the team. West Ham have managed to remain unbeaten in their last four matches there in all competitions, claiming two wins and two draws.
That run suggests that, at least for this season, the ground is becoming a more reliable base. In the context of their struggle to climb away from danger, turning home matches into valuable opportunities for points could prove decisive.
Even with those improvements, history is heavily stacked in Manchester City’s favour. West Ham’s record against the Sky Blues in the Premier League has been particularly difficult.
The last time the London side defeated City in the league came back in 2015. Since then, the encounters between the clubs have been dominated by Guardiola’s side, creating one of the longest winless sequences West Ham have endured against a single opponent.
After 20 consecutive league matches without a victory against Manchester City, the run now stands as the club’s longest against any team in the competition.
