How Manchester City Will Line Up Against West Ham United

Hmm, this could be an interesting one.

Manchester City are favourites for the Premier League title with some (but not with Sam Allardyce, per the Sports Review), but are with just one point from nine on the road.

West Ham were struggling for goals and form until a shock 3-0 win at Tottenham in their last outing, inspired by man-of-the-moment Ravel Morrison.

Chuck in an international break and a vital Champions League tie for City next Wednesday, and there's plenty to get our teeth stuck into. So, here's my prediction for Manuel Pellegrini's line-up at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday.

Joe Hart; Pablo Zabaleta, Matija Nastasic, Joleon Lescott, Aleksandar Kolarov; Fernandinho, Yaya Toure; David Silva, James Milner, Stevan Jovetic; Alvaro Negredo.

The back five pretty much picks itself. With Vincent Kompany laid off for an unspecified time (as I write), Joleon Lescott will come in to partner Nastasic, although Micah Richards would be an unlikelier option. 

What City will have to look out for is whether West Ham go for a "striker-less" set up like they did at Spurs, a ploy that paid off handsomely with a fine 3-0 win at White Hart Lane. The Hammers, and in particular Morrison, sliced through the opposing defence several times and with this in mind City must improve on some wobbly displays on the road before now this term.

Fernandinho needs to up his game in midfield and Yaya Toure will have to wise up to West Ham's direct approach. That's why I also think Milner will get the nod, but David Silva will provide more of an attacking threat, having looked back to near his best in his recent outings.

Jovetic deserves a start, having looked good in Montenegro's defeats to England and Moldova. More over, Sergio Aguero may be kept under wraps with the Champions League trip to CSKA Moscow looming.

Negredo has looked at home with the physical nature of the game in this country, and having scored twice in two games for Spain he's back in form so should get the nod for Saturday.

Bleacher Report will bring you all the usual coverage, with kick off at 17:30 BST on Saturday.