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Premier League – Manchester City vs. West Ham United: For just the third time in the last 11 years, the Premier League title race will be decided on the final day, with reigning champions Manchester City looking to retain their crown at home against West Ham United on Sunday afternoon.
The Stage is Set for History
Pep Guardiola’s men are just 90 minutes away from a slice of English football history. The Citizens have put together an impressive 22-game unbeaten league run, featuring 18 victories and just four draws over the past five months.
This formidable streak has set the stage for Man City to etch their name into the history books and achieve an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title.
Manchester City’s Dominance and Key Players
Man City extended their winning streak to eight games on Tuesday with a crucial 2-0 victory at Tottenham Hotspur.
Erling Haaland, who is chasing the Golden Boot, scored twice in the second half, but it was substitute goalkeeper Stefan Ortega who emerged as the unlikely hero with key saves in the closing stages, ensuring the title race remained in City’s hands.
Despite the relentless pursuit by title challengers Arsenal, who have dropped just four points in their 17 league games of 2024, Man City sit at the top of the table with 88 points, two clear of the second-placed Gunners.
Arsenal will face Everton at the Emirates Stadium in their final fixture, but Man City’s destiny is firmly in their own hands.
Unbeatable at Home
Man City have been a dominant force in English football, winning five of the last six Premier League titles, including each of the last three.
Under Pep Guardiola’s masterful leadership, the Citizens have crafted an almost invincible home record, remaining unbeaten in their last 43 home games in all competitions – a club record.
They have not lost any of their last 16 league meetings with West Ham, and history favours them as the team sitting top entering the final day has always ended up lifting the trophy.
West Ham’s Struggle and Moyes’s Farewell
West Ham, on the other hand, have had a mixed season. Almost a year on from finishing 14th in the Premier League and celebrating Europa Conference League glory, the Hammers are guaranteed to finish ninth in the top flight this season, missing out on European qualification. They have won only four of their first 23 games of 2024 in all competitions.
However, last weekend’s home meeting with Luton Town provided a glimmer of hope. Despite trailing at half-time, goals from James Ward-Prowse, Tomas Soucek, and youngster George Earthy secured a 3-1 comeback win, giving manager David Moyes a fitting send-off at the London Stadium.
Moyes’s second stint as West Ham boss will come to an end on Sunday, and while he aims to finish on a high, he is under no illusions about the challenge ahead.
Team News and Lineups
Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson is ruled out for the rest of the season with a fractured eye socket, while playmaker Kevin De Bruyne is expected to be fit despite a knock to his Achilles.
Ortega will deputise in goal, with a likely back four of Kyle Walker, Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias, and Josko Gvardiol.
Guardiola is unlikely to make significant changes to his midfield or attack, but if De Bruyne isn’t fit to start, either Jeremy Doku or Jack Grealish could return to the starting XI, with Phil Foden moving into a number 10 role behind 27-goal striker Haaland.
For West Ham, centre-back duo Nayef Aguerd (ankle) and Konstantinos Mavropanos (knock) are set to be assessed ahead of kickoff, while Man City loanee Kalvin Phillips is ineligible due to a calf strain.
Edson Alvarez may push for a recall in midfield, potentially replacing either Soucek or Ward-Prowse. Jarrod Bowen, with a team-high 16 Premier League goals, is expected to lead the attack alongside Mohammed Kudus, Michail Antonio, and Man City-linked Lucas Paqueta.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Ortega; Walker, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Rodri, Kovacic; Bernardo, De Bruyne, Foden; Haaland
West Ham United possible starting lineup:
Areola; Coufal, Zouma, Ogbonna, Emerson; Soucek, Alvarez; Bowen, Kudus, Paqueta; Antonio
Prediction
Given Manchester City’s formidable form and home advantage, they are strong favourites to secure the title with a victory.
West Ham will aim to provide a tough contest in Moyes’s final game, but City’s depth and quality are likely to prevail.
Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 West Ham United
Final Day Drama
The anticipation is palpable as Manchester City aim to make history and secure their fourth consecutive Premier League title.
With the advantage of playing at home and a remarkable unbeaten streak, the Citizens are the favourites.
However, West Ham, under the guidance of David Moyes in his farewell match, will be determined to spoil the party.
Sunday’s showdown promises to be a thrilling conclusion to an exhilarating Premier League season.
