Hello and welcome to
Sports Mole's live coverage of the match in the Premier League between
West Ham United and
Manchester City. The Premier League champions are favourites to extend their domestic unbeaten run this afternoon, but the Hammers also head into this fixture having showed an improvement in recent weeks.
Without further ado, let's take a look at the two starting lineups, beginning with the home side...
WEST HAM UNITED XI: Fabianski; Zabaleta, Diop, Balbuena, Masuaku; Diangana, Rice, Obiang; F.Anderson, Antonio, Arnautovic
WEST HAM UNITED SUBSTITUTES: Adrian, Cresswell, Ogbonna, Noble, Carroll, Hernandez Lucas Perez
MANCHESTER CITY XI: Ederson; Walker, Otamendi, Laporte, Delph; Fernandinho, Gundogan; Sterling, D.Silva, Sane; Aguero
MANCHESTER CITY SUBSTITUTES: Muric, Kompany, Stones, Mahrez, Jesus, Zinchenko, Foden
Let's start with West Ham as
Manuel Pellegrini makes two changes to his starting lineup. One of those comes in attack as Michail Antonio replaces Robert Snodgrass, who is serving a one-match suspension after picking up five yellow cards.
The second alteration comes at left-back as Arthur Masuaku is preferred to Aaron Cresswell.
Pablo Zabaleta retains his place on the opposite side of the defence due to an injury to Ryan Fredericks.
Mark Noble had been expected to return to the centre of the pitch after sitting out three games due to a red card picked up against Leicester City. However, Pellegrini has kept youngster Grady Diangana in midfield alongside Declan Rice and Pedro Obiang.
There is a notable return on the bench with Andy Carroll having recovered from a serious ankle injury. The target man makes his first appearance in the squad this season, and joins fellow forwards Javier Hernandez and Lucas Perez among the replacements. However, there is no place for Jack Wilshere, despite a return to training earlier this week.
As for Manchester City,
Pep Guardiola has opted to make as many as four changes from the team which began the derby with Manchester United. Two of those alterations come in defence as Nicolas Otamendi and Fabian Delph take the places of the injured Benjamin Mendy and the dropped John Stones.
Bernardo Silva sustained a knock while on international duty with Portugal and Guardiola has decided to take no risks with the playmaker. That has allowed Ilkay Gundogan to make his first start since recovering from a knee problem.
The fourth and final change sees
Leroy Sane come in for Riyad Mahrez. The pair have found themselves in and out of the team this season, so it comes as no surprise that it is a straight swap.
Raheem Sterling takes his place on the right flank with
Sergio Aguero beginning in attack.
The bench is a strong one, with Vincent Kompany and Gabriel Jesus both adding proven quality. Oleksandr Zinchenko will probably be saved for the Champions League trip to Lyon next week, but Phil Foden is an option should City need to attack in the closing stages or if a win is already wrapped up.
Man City head into this match with a two-point advantage at the top of the standings and they will be looking to at least maintain that come 5pm, GMT. Liverpool - their nearest challengers - face Watford at Vicarage Road this afternoon.
West Ham sit in 13th position in the table and could move into 12th with a victory. Burnley do not host Newcastle United until Monday, so a draw or defeat would see the Hammers remain where they are.
It has been a bit of a cold and murky week on the weather front and today is no different...
West Ham head into this game looking to record successive wins at the London Stadium for just the second time. That first occurred in December 2016 against Burnley and Hull City.
It's a win over Burnley that has provided West Ham with an improved mindset. The Hammers scored four goals in that game, and away draws at Leicester City and Huddersfield Town mean that Pellegrini's side have registered five points and six goals from three outings.
However, clean sheets remain a problem. Their only shutout in the Premier League this season came against a Chelsea side who were hindered by a late flight from Greece after their game with PAOK in the Europa League.
Pellegrini has also watched his team lose as many as eight points from winning positions this season. It's the highest in the league.
While West Ham are struggling to maintain leads, there has been no such issue with City who are yet to drop a single point when being in front in a match during the current campaign. The first goal is going to very important this afternoon...
It may prove difficult for West Ham to get on the scoresheet. City have conceded just five goals in their 12 matches on the road in the Premier League.
City are also resolute when it comes to the final third of matches. They are yet to concede a goal in the closing 30 minutes of a Premier League game this season, which is hugely impressive.
If you are looking for a statistic to surprise you, this will probably be it. Aguero has not scored an away goal in the Premier League in England for a year. His only strikes have come in Wales against Swansea City and Cardiff City.
That still hasn't prevented Aguero from sitting at the top of the scoring charts after 12 matches. The Argentine has eight goals - as well as four assists - to his name in 884 minutes of football.
PREDICTION! West Ham have improved since the start of the campaign, but we can see nothing but a comfortable win for City at the weekend. Guardiola's team are still to hit top gear this season, and we only expect improvements during the middle part of the season. The visitors to prevail by a 3-0 scoreline.
HEAD TO HEAD! Saturday's fixture will represent the 108th competitive meeting between the two clubs, with City claiming 50 victories in comparison to 37 wins for West Ham.
The Hammers recorded two triumphs in the space of a year between October 2014 and September 2015, but the East London outfit's record against City since 2009 is a disappointing one. City have recorded 14 wins and three draws during that period, while 18 goals have been scored during the last five games against Saturday's opponents.
There are five other fixtures kicking off at 3pm, GMT, and we will try to keep you up-to-date with as many scores as we can during the afternoon.
Two of those matches -
Manchester United vs. Crystal Palace and
Watford vs. Liverpool - will also be covered in-depth by
Sports Mole. Click the relevant game to keep up-to-date.
It's time for the two teams to start making their way out at the London Stadium. West Ham will eventually be able to increase their capacity, but the sight of seeing two teams walk out to 60,000 fans is still quite the spectacle.
A reminder of the two starting lineups...
WEST HAM UNITED XI: Fabianski; Zabaleta, Diop, Balbuena, Masuaku; Diangana, Rice, Obiang; F.Anderson, Antonio, Arnautovic
MANCHESTER CITY XI: Ederson; Walker, Otamendi, Laporte, Delph; Fernandinho, Gundogan; Sterling, D.Silva, Sane; Aguero
KICKOFF: West Ham get us underway!
Both teams start at a fast pace but there is a stoppage in play as Arnautovic mistimes a challenge on
David Silva. It's a painful one with the Austrian's boot making connection with the top of Silva's foot, but the playmaker is fine to continue.
West Ham are doing a good job of keeping possession in these early stages, but they are not making too much headway up the pitch.
Antonio looks a mile offside when the ball finds it way past the City defence and the winger hesitates. It's enough to allow the City backline to get back and force a corner, which comes to nothing.
It's been a positive start from West Ham, but you get that feeling that City are just biding their time before committing men forward.
CHANCE! That occurs when the visitors swarm West Ham in their own area and a mistake from Anderson leads to the ball going to Silva. However, the playmaker hooks a shot from the right-hand side of the penalty area into the side-netting.
GOAL! West Ham United 0-1 Manchester City (David Silva)
West Ham have a corner but after failing to make the most it, City break forward and take the lead. The ball ended up with Sterling on the right, and the winger's deflected cross was swept into the far corner by Silva from around six yards out.
© Reuters
The goal is a bit harsh on West Ham who have probably been the better side. However, they now find themselves up against it and need to avoid going further behind.
City are pushing for that second goal too, although there is concern over Sane who appears to have picked up a knock. It was enough to see him pull out of a 50-50 challenge.
We should note that West Ham are playing with a 4-4-2 formation this afternoon. Diangana is out on the right with Antonio up front with Arnautovic. It is leaving more space for City to do their thing at the other end of the pitch.
GOAL! West Ham United 0-2 Manchester City (Raheem Sterling)
So easy. Sane - who has recovered from his earlier knock - receives the ball on the left and his low cross is turned into the net by Sterling at the back post. Masuaku didn't do enough to stay in front of the Englishman.
CHANCE! West Ham have gone straight back onto the offensive and could have already halved the deficit. Arnautovic found some space before threading a pass through to Antonio, but the attacker's first-time effort from around 16 yards out was too close to Ederson.
You have to give West Ham credit for the approach that they have taken to this game but even though they are troubling City, they are going to concede more than the two goals that they have already shipped.
There has not been much to add since that Antonio chance. City are prepared to bide their time again while West Ham attempt to build on that encouraging spell after conceding the second goal.
Arnautovic is dropping a lot deeper than he usually does. It's Antonio who is playing on the last man. Both are having success, but just not enough to find a goal.
West Ham are two goals down but their supporters remain engaged in this match. If they don't fall further behind before the break, they feel that the Hammers are still capable of getting back into this match.
City are now enjoying time on the ball without making too much effort to push forward. Aguero has barely been in the game, with Silva, Sterling and Sane offering the most threat for the visitors.
GOAL! West Ham United 0-3 Manchester City (Leroy Sane)
This is a stunning goal, and one which probably wraps up the three points before half time. A floated pass finds Sterling inside the penalty area and the winger's volleyed cross picks out Sane, whose control of the ball deceives Fabianski and leaves Sane to tap home from three yards.
© Reuters
The frustration in the stands was not apparent before that goal, but it is now. It's already game over - you would think - and it is now a case of West Ham just looking to avoid embarrassment.
For the second time in this match, Arnautovic has trodden on a Manchester City player and again, it looks nasty. It was Delph's ankle which took the force of the Austrian and he has required two minutes of treatment. Not even a yellow for Arnautovic...
Delph is back in the action and quickly concedes a free kick around 30 yards from goal. A shot is the only choice from this part of the pitch, but it is struck into the wall by Arnautovic.
City are simply trying to play out the remaining minutes of this first half now, which is leading to West Ham having to chase down the ball. It's proving to be effective so far.
However, West Ham win it back and work a position where Zabaleta is able to advance into the penalty area. However, the former City man sees his pass blocked by a defender.
There will be two minutes of added-on time.
HALF TIME: West Ham United 0-3 Manchester City
The half-time whistle goes at the London Stadium and City are already on the brink of another three points in the Premier League. Silva, Sterling and Sane have all got on the scoresheet, although West Ham played their part in that opening 45 minutes.
City have not created chance after chance in this game, but they have been clinical. Each of the goals have come from close range with the visitors finding it too easy to be able to deliver crosses from in or out of the penalty area. West Ham's best chance went to Antonio, who fired straight at Ederson from around 16 yards out.
Liverpool are still goalless with Watford, meaning that City are currently going four points clear at the top of the standings. Big 45 points coming up for the Merseyside giants at Vicarage Road.
KICKOFF: City get us back underway. Cresswell has been introduced for West Ham, with Masuaku making way.
CHANCE! It should be four. Sterling beat the offside trap - which came as a surprise to him - but was halted by Fabianski. The ball then rebounded to Sane whose shot from 10 yards was well kept out by the goalkeeper.
West Ham are still not taking a backwards step. Not that they should be, but some thought does have to be given to their goal difference. A brief flurry forward almost led to Antonio being found inside the area, but Delph was able to intercept.
City have a game in Lyon in three days, and they already look like they are trying to keep as much energy as possible. Pass after pass in their own half leads to West Ham attempting to press without much success.
More of the same from the Premier League leaders, who are in complete control right now. It's not the most entertaining watch, but Guardiola won't care.
SUBSTITUTION! West Ham make a second change as Hernandez comes on for Diangana.
This really is turning into a training exercise for City, who have started to zip the ball about in the middle of the pitch. If there were shadows, West Ham would be chasing them.
OFF THE POST! BIG chance for West Ham. City over-do it and Hernandez takes advantage by playing a delightful ball through to Antonio. The winger is clear of the defence but his shot strikes the outside of the post and goes wide.
We go through the hour mark with City being reminded that they are still in a match. A West Ham comeback is beyond unlikely but who knows - maybe one goal could lead to two and then anything can happen.
Cresswell has offered more than Masuaku in both defensive and attacking areas, and the left-back almost finds Arnautovic with a through-ball from the flank. The ball is diverted away for a corner, but nothing comes from it.
LATEST! There has been a goal at Vicarage Road and Liverpool have taken the lead against Watford, with Mohamed Salah getting on the scoresheet.
Click here to follow that game.
SHOT! City go back onto the offensive through Sane, and the German forces a strong save from Fabianski from around 14 yards out. The Pole did well to deny Silva on the rebound.
SUBSTITUTION! West Ham make their third and final change with Lucas Perez replacing Anderson. That means that Carroll will play no part of this match.
SUBSTITUTION! City also make an alteration as Foden is introduced for Gundogan.
That switch has led to an increase in tempo from City and it has put West Ham onto the back foot. There will at least be positives for Pellegrini to take if West Ham do not concede any more goals in this match.
CHANCE! West Ham are still trying to find a consolation goal and Arnautovic is provided with a chance from the left. However, the Austrian's header from by the penalty spot goes well over the crossbar.
SUBSTITUTION! A second change for City sees Mahrez introduced for Sterling.
CHANCE! Again, another chance for West Ham! An inswinging corner finds Balbuena at the near post, but the defender's glancing header goes wide of the far post.
LATEST! Liverpool have scored a second goal against Watford at Vicarage Road. It looks like being as you were as far as the top two teams in the Premier League are concerned.
SUBSTITUTION! Guardiola makes his third and final substitution with Jesus coming on for Aguero.
This game is effectively over as a contest now but both teams are trying to find a goal. We have a stoppage in play though with Arnautovic receiving treatment after appearing to stub his toe.
The game is back underway with City getting their passing going again. They've only showed it in flurries today, but that is all that they have needed to do thanks to the early goals.
Arnautovic is back on the pitch but he is simply going through the motions due to West Ham having used all three of their substitutions. At least he should be able to see out the remainder of this contest.
Actually, Arnautovic is struggling a lot more now. It would surely be worth taking him off at this stage in the game. City are home and hosed, and keeping possession.
Arnautovic has walked off now and gone straight down the tunnel. That will be a huge concern for Pellegrini.
There will be two minutes of added-on time.
GOAL! West Ham United 0-4 Manchester City (Leroy Sane)
City add a fourth with the last kick of the game. A cross found Sane at the back post and after controlling the ball, the German lashed a volley into the far corner of the net from 10 yards out.
FULL TIME: West Ham United 0-4 Manchester City
The full-time whistle goes at the London Stadium and Man City have wrapped up the easiest of wins over West Ham. The home side did not perform that badly, but a clinical spell at the beginning of the match put paid to the Hammers' hopes. City remain two points clear at the top of the table, while West Ham remain in 13th position.
That will be all from
Sports Mole for this match. Thank you for joining us this afternoon, and we hope that you can stick around for the game between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.
If you would like to read our on-the-whistle match report, you can do so by clicking here. Goodbye for now.