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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Dan Brown

Julian Alvarez and John Stones start in Man City predicted line-up vs West Ham

Manchester City will be looking to continue their winning run in the Premier League when they face West Ham at the Etihad on Wednesday night.

Pep Guardiola's side secured a 2-1 victory over Fulham in their last top-flight match, with Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez both on target for the Blues. The result saw them move above title rivals Arsenal for the first time in several months, with City having won their last eight Premier League matches.

The Blues have been boosted by the return to fitness of defender Nathan Ake. He was part of the training group on Monday after being sidelined since picking up a hamstring injury in the Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich. Meanwhile, Kevin De Bruyne trained earlier today (May 2) after missing the win at Fulham having felt some discomfort during the victory against Arsenal.

ALSO READ: Every word from Pep Guardiola ahead of Man City v West Ham

Unless anything drastic happens between now and kick-off, Ederson will start against West Ham on Wednesday night. The Brazilian goalkeeper has featured in every single Premier League match so far this season. He looks increasingly unlikely to win the Golden Glove award, having kept nine clean sheets compared to David de Gea's 15 this term, but has still enjoyed a good season.

City have been operating with a hybrid formation recently, and it continues to work well for Guardiola's side. It allows John Stones to operate as a holding midfielder when the Blues have the ball, with the England international dropping back to make it a back-four when the opposition are attacking. Meanwhile, Kyle Walker and Ruben Dias both impressed in the win over Fulham, and Aymeric Laporte could potentially come in to replace Manuel Akanji.

Rodri is one of the first names on the teamsheet, so it would come as a major surprise for him to drop out of the side. The Spaniard has been one of the Blues' most consistent performers this season and allows the players in front of him to flourish. Alvarez started in place of the injured De Bruyne at the weekend and delivered an electric performance. Having scored a wondergoal, he will be looking to play once again. It is likely to be one of Bernardo Silva or Illkay Gundogan, but with the latter having started against Fulham, he could be rested.

In attack, Haaland will be hoping to add to his goal tally. The Norwegian ace has scored a staggering 50 goals in 44 appearances so far this term and is chasing a number of personal records. His link-up with Jack Grealish continues to flourish - and the England ace is starting to become undroppable for Guardiola. There is a chance Phil Foden starts, but Riyad Mahrez might just get the nod on the right flank.

Predicted line-up vs West Ham: (3-2-4-1): Ederson; Walker, Dias, Laporte; Stones, Rodri; Mahrez, Alvarez, Bernardo, Grealish; Haaland.

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