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5 Bold Predictions for West Ham United vs. Manchester City in Week 9

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5 Bold Predictions for West Ham United vs. Manchester City in Week 9

Manuel Pellegrini and Sam Allardyce shake hands
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Manchester City are attempting to hang onto the coattails of Chelsea in the early stages of the season, and they will attempt to do so once again as they play West Ham United in Week 9 of the EPL. West Ham, for their part, surprisingly find themselves in fourth position in this early stage, and should pose a meaningful challenge for City at Upton Park. City clearly need to win to keep up the pressure on league leaders, Chelsea, but can they?

5. Sergio Aguero Hot Form Continues

Sergio Aguero scores against Tottenham Hotspur
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5. Sergio Aguero Hot Form Continues

Sergio Aguero scores against Tottenham Hotspur
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Sergio Aguero is in hot form in this present moment after notching up nine goals in the opening eight league games, including four in City's last game against Tottenham Hotspur. When in form, Aguero is virtually unstoppable and don't expect West Ham to be able to contain the red hot Argentine when the two teams meet this weekend.

4. Two Goals For West Ham

West Ham United celebrate a goal against Burnley
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4. Two Goals For West Ham

West Ham United celebrate a goal against Burnley
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For all the the quality that City show in attack, they tend to lack somewhat in defense thanks to their expansive and attacking style. City rarely change their approach for a game and West Ham should get plenty of joy for their own in form strikeforce of Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho. The Hammers will surely score on their home ground, and against a vulnerable City defense, more than one will be on the cards.

3. Manchester City Will Score At Least Three Goals

Manchester City celebrate a Sergio Aguero goal against Tottenham Hotspur
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3. Manchester City Will Score At Least Three Goals

Manchester City celebrate a Sergio Aguero goal against Tottenham Hotspur
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Even in scoring a few goals themselves, the problem for West Ham will be that they will likely let an avalanche in at the other end. City are imperious when they attack at their free flowing best, and although West Ham should net a couple of goals, City will outscore them when it's all said and done.

2. Jesus Navas Will Be Instrumental In City Win

Manchester City winger Jesus Navas - Copy
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2. Jesus Navas Will Be Instrumental In City Win

Manchester City winger Jesus Navas
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West Ham will obviously defend from a deep position and look to counter-attack quickly when City's attacks break down. From City's perspective, not giving the ball away cheaply will be important, but the way that they attack West Ham will also be vital. City need to use the wide areas to open up a deep lying West Ham defense and expect Jesus Navas to be a key weapon in doing just that -- whether from the starting lineup or the bench.

1. Yaya Toure Will Score

Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure
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1. Yaya Toure Will Score

Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure
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Yaya Toure has come in for some deserved criticism so far this season, with the Ivorian still yet to really hit form in the opening games. After scoring a staggering 20 Premier League goals from midfield last season, the expectations are high for Toure, and City need him firing as soon as possible. Toure scored his first league goal of the season against Aston Villa in Week 7 and his second will come at Upton Park.

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