Manchester City travel south to London for the first time in three months as they take on West Ham at the new London Stadium. A place in the fourth round of the F.A. Cup is the prize on offer to both sides, as they prepare for the very same fixture in February.
The Citizens are in a strong run of form having suffered defeat just once in their last five Premier League games – that being the New Year’s Eve loss to title rivals Liverpool. However, Pep Guardiola’s side will be keen to continue their winning run against Slaven Bilic’s West Ham.
The Hammers head into the clash after an impressive Christmas period which saw them move further away from the relegation zone. However, Bilic’s side were controversially beaten by City’s bitter rivals Manchester United on Monday.
City have not beaten West Ham away from home since October 2013’s 1-3 victory at Upton Park.
Changes appear inevitable as City look to balance out their squad over three competitions. But to ensure a place in the next round, Guardiola must pick this starting XI to overcome the Hammers.
GK: Willy Caballero
As Liverpool fans know all too well, Willy Caballero is the king of Manchester City’s cup runs.
The goalkeeper is expected to regain his place at the London Stadium for the cup clash with West Ham – outing Claudio Bravo from the number one jersey.
Caballero must be more convincing than Bravo under the high ball with Andy Carroll expected to be lurking nearby.
RB: Pablo Zabaleta
Few players in this City squad have experienced the feeling of being victorious in an F.A. Cup final. Pablo Zabaleta is one of only four players to remain at the club following their success in 2011.
Zabaleta may have lost a significant amount of pace but his leadership and discipline could be crucial for the Citizens on Friday.
CB: John Stones
Out of form, and somewhat out of favour, this match provides John Stones with the ideal opportunity to force his way back into the City first-team.
Stones has struggled in recent weeks following such an impressive start to his City career. The defender must contain this in-form Hammers side to edge his way back into Guardiola’s good books.
CB: Nicolas Otamendi
With West Ham set to impose a physical style of play upon the fragile City back-line, playing someone with the intensity of Otamendi could prove a decisive factor for Guardiola this week.
Otamendi remains a favourite with the Spaniard as his commitment to the cause and desire cannot be underestimated.
Carroll and Otamendi could be a very interesting battle, with the victor likely to walk off the field on the winning side.
LB: Gael Clichy
For the supporters in attendance on Monday for the victory over Burnley, they can always claim to have seen Gael Clichy score a goal.
Clichy’s strike against the Lancashire outfit was only his second goal for City – his first at the Etihad Stadium – since joining the club in 2011.
Nonetheless, Clichy has a bigger battle to contend with as he must prevent West Ham’s wingers having any significant impact on Friday.
CM: Fernando
Brazilian-born Fernando will return to the starting fold for City’s visit to East London following the red card picked up by team-mate Fernandinho – his third in six matches – during City’s victory over Burnley.
Fernando has proven his ability when called upon and has been one of City’s more consistent players under Guardiola.
CM: Aleix Garcia
If there’s one manager known for his consistent development of youth players, it’s Pep Guardiola. Nonetheless, despite giving Garcia his debut this season, the Spanish midfielder hasn’t been provided with a regular chance to shine.
Garcia has the opportunity to stake his claim with Fernandinho suspended and Ilkay Gundogan injured. West Ham could become enjoyable opposition for Garcia this Friday.
CAM: David Silva
One enormous factor missing in City’s build-up play in recent weeks has been the lack of creativity from midfield. The team are seemingly struggling to create chances for their forwards to feed off.
Silva could hold all the keys for City overcoming West Ham, and either a goal or assist would go a long way in deciding the winner of the contest.
RW: Jesus Navas
With the winger’s contract due to expire in July, matches like the West Ham trip could be one of few opportunities for Navas to showcase why he deserves a new deal.
Yet to register a goal or assist this season, many City supporters are hoping the end his near for Navas’ City career, but an impressive performance against West Ham may lead to a change of opinion.
LW: Nolito
After such an impressive start to his Manchester City career, Nolito has spent the vast majority of the last three months warming City’s bench.
The Spanish international has struggled for form lately and with Leroy Sané set to return in one week, Nolito must make sure his performance in London gives Guardiola questions to ponder.
ST: Sergio Aguero
Make no bones about it; Guardiola will want to beat West Ham and book his side a place in the next round. Playing Sergio Aguero therefore seems likely, with the Argentine a near guarantor of goals.
His superb goal against Burnley on Monday further highlighted his importance to this City side and Guardiola will be hoping for a similar impact against West Ham.