Preview and betting odds for Manchester City vs West Ham at 22:00 on December 20, Premier League

20/12/2025 20:07:00 ceshi

Preview and odds for Manchester City vs West Ham at 22:00 on December 20. Predictions, expected lineups, and expert analysis for the Premier League Round 17 match between Manchester City and West Ham.

Match preview Manchester City vs West Ham

90-minute odds: 0 : 2

Total goals: 3.5

Manchester City come into their home fixture against West Ham at the Etihad in outstanding form, aiming for their fifth straight Premier League victory. Since their narrow 0-1 defeat to Aston Villa in late October, Pep Guardiola’s team has really hit top gear, winning 10 of the last 12 matches across all competitions, scoring at least two goals in every win. Their current streak was extended with a 2-0 win over Brentford in the League Cup quarter-finals, just days after thrashing Crystal Palace 3-0 away from home.

In the league standings, Man City sit second, two points behind Arsenal, and can temporarily take the top spot if they beat West Ham before their rivals play later. The Etihad remains a stronghold for the Citizens, who have the most home wins and points since April. Except for a slip against Tottenham, Man City have won their last seven Premier League home matches, showing consistent dominance and control of games.

The head-to-head record further boosts the home team’s confidence. Man City are unbeaten in their last 19 Premier League meetings with West Ham, winning 16 of those and clean sweeping the last five encounters, scoring at least three goals in each. Erling Haaland has a special record against West Ham, having scored nine Premier League goals against them and could reach double digits if he scores again.

On the other side, West Ham are undergoing a difficult period under coach Nuno Espirito Santo. After 11 Premier League games, the Hammers have only two wins, four draws, and five losses, currently 18th and in the relegation zone. A run of five games without a win has put huge pressure on them, and if they lose at the Etihad, they will remain in the relegation zone over Christmas. Although West Ham have drawn their last three away games, their tendency to lose leads shows a fragile mentality.

Considering squad strength, form, and head-to-head history, it's hard to expect West Ham to cause an upset. The Etihad is truly a fortress again, and a confident Man City with superior squad depth is likely to dominate the match and take all three points.