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Former Brighton & Hove Albion defender Mark Lawrenson has predicted the result of Manchester City's Premier League trip to West Ham United on Saturday (August 31). The Cityzens are atop the standings on goal difference after two games.
Pep Guardiola's side opened their campaign with a 2-0 win at Chelsea before downing newly promoted Ipswich Town 4-1 at home. They are looking to win an unprecedented fifth straight top-flight title, having won a record six of the last seven on offer.
Meanwhile, the Hammers commenced their league campaign with a 2-1 home defeat to Aston Villa before winning 2-0 at Crystal Palace. However, Julen Lopetegui's side are winless in 17 league meetings with City. Previewing their home clash with the Cityzens, Lawrenson wrote on Paddy Power:
"The worst thing you can do is poke the bear and make it angry and that’s what Ipswich did to Manchester City last week. It’s just the same old, same old with City, but their same old happens to be very good indeed.
"Ilkay Gundogan is back, so that’s an interesting one because you thought if they were going to bring someone in, it would certainly be a striker. I don’t think there’s anyone in the squad who can just come in and play if Erling Haaland gets injured.
Explaining his rationale for predicting a 'comprehensive' win for City, with over 3.5 goals in the game, he continued:
"West Ham have won one and lost one, but I’ll go for a comprehensive win for Manchester City. West Ham were good away from home, and they were a little bit unfortunate with that penalty, but it’s going to take time for Julen Lopetegui to get them going.
"They’ve signed some good players, and West Ham, on paper, look to have made some really good singings. I fancy West Ham to score, and that Jarrod Bowen will get it."
City striker Erling Haaland - who has won the last two Premier League Golden Boots - has his sights on a third, racking up four goals in two outings.
Pep Guardiola provides fitness update of key players ahead of Manchester City's trip to West Ham
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has an almost fit contingent of players to choose from for their Premier League clash at West Ham this weekend. Midfielders Rodri and Mateo Kovacic are available again, but Phil Foden appears doubtful.
The legendary Spanish boss also offered his thoughts on the return of former club captain - the 'top-class' Ilkay Gundogan, who's back at the Etihad after a season with Barcelona:
"He needs one minute, no more than that, to settle. He's a top-class player, and he knows the mechanics of what we try to do. We knew it, and it has happened."
City did the league double over West Ham last season, winning 3-1 both home and away. The home win on the last day of the season confirmed the Cityzens' eighth Premier League win.
