Manchester City welcome West Ham to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon as they look to move top of the Premier League
Manchester City have a great opportunity to move top of the Premier League when they host West Ham at the Etihad Stadium this weekend. The Blues kick off at 3pm against Nuno Espirito Santo’s strugglers and should they be victorious, City will move to the top of the division for a few hours at least.
Arsenal do not kick off until 8pm on Saturday night at Mikel Arteta’s old club Everton. The mood in the City camp shall also be good this weekend thanks to their current form.
City have won their last six matches across all competitions and head into this game with spirits high. West Ham have not beaten the Blues at the Etihad since September 2015 so Pep Guardiola’s side will be strong favourites for this fixture.
However, if they are going to be victorious, they will have to win without Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait-Nouri who are at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The Blues will also be without a handful of players due to injury and MEN Sport has taken a closer look at who is missing.
Oscar Bobb
Injury: Hamstring
Guardiola did not offer any new updates on the fitness of Bobb after he complained of a hamstring issue following the victory over Brentford. The City boss said he hoped it would not be too serious and it would be assessed this week.
Potential return date: January 2026
Rodri
Injury: Hamstring
There was hope Rodri could be back sooner rather than later following his injury in the win against Brentford. However, the midfielder remains unavailable with Guardiola suggesting he could be back after Christmas.
Guardiola said: “We have a game tomorrow and after we have five days before Nottingham [Forest], Sunderland. Nottingham, Sunderland, maybe a few of them will start to be back. But (Saturday), no.”
Potential return date: December 27 vs Nottingham Forest
Jeremy Doku
Injury: Muscular
This same verdict was given to Doku as he continues his recovery from a muscular injury picked up against Real Madrid. He has not been on the sidelines as long as Rodri and John Stones and Guardiola has previously said he would be back in the New Year.
Potential return date: New Year’s Day vs Sunderland
John Stones
Injury: Thigh
It is clear City are treading carefully with Stones as they look to avoid him suffering any further setbacks. Kolo Toure said recently that a return for the defender was coming soon so the Forest fixture could be a realistic timeline.
Potential return date: December 27 vs Nottingham Forest
Mateo Kovacic
Injury: Ankle
Kovacic is the only long-term absentee. The former Chelsea man is continuing his recovery from an ankle injury. Guardiola has previously said he will be called upon in the ‘later stages’ of the season.
Potential return date: February 2026
