"West Ham might nick a goal" - Robbie Savage predicts Manchester City's title decider vs the Hammers
Robbie Savage thinks West Ham United will be on the scoresheet but Manchester City will romp to victory to claim a fourth title in a row on Sunday (May 19). The Cityzens host the Hammers at the Etihad knowing they'll be crowned champions if they win.
Pep Guardiola's men are top of the league heading into the final day of the season. They are two points above Arsenal and can become the first team in English football history to retain their title consecutively for four seasons.
Savage alluded to this when predicting Manchester City to come out on top. The former Manchester United star told Planet Sport:
"The big one at the Etihad, City looking for just their fourth straight Premier League title. What an unbelievable achievement that will be. They’re looking for their ninth straight Premier League win since that draw against Arsenal."
Manchester City beat Tottenham 2-0 in a must-win game on Tuesday (May 14) that saw them displace Arsenal at the top of the league. It was a tense affair but Guardiola's men got the job done and Savage expects them to do so again:
"What a win it was against Spurs. Huge pressure. I don’t think they’ll make a mistake here."
West Ham have endured topsy-turvy form as of late as they were thrashed 5-0 by Chelsea before beating Luton Town 3-1 last time out (May 11).
Savage thinks David Moyes' final game in charge will result in a goal for the visitors but City will have a field day and lift the title:
"I think West Ham might nick a goal, but their run of form is really poor with just one win in seven. I’m going with Man City to win 4-1."
Arsenal's hopes of winning the title lie with West Ham who have a massive challenge to try and halt the Cityzens. Guardiola's reigning champions are on a run of eight wins on the bounce and haven't lost since December 6 (1-0 vs Aston Villa).
Pep Guardiola suggests Manchester City's clash against West Ham will replicate their 2022 title win
Guardiola fueled the flames ahead of a pivotal encounter with West Ham on Sunday by making a bold prediction. The Spaniard who is gunning for his sixth title said (via City Xtra):
"I have a feeling it will be like Aston Villa."
Manchester City fans won't need reminding of their side's iconic win against Aston Villa on the final day of the 2021-22 season. They headed into that game a point above Liverpool in one of the closest-fought title races in history.
Guardiola's side were stunned by Villa who raced into a 2-0 lead in the first half. There was 15 minutes plus stoppage time for the Cityzens to turn things around as Liverpool were winning their game.
Ilkay Gundogan grabbed a brace (76', 81') and Rodri was on target (78') as Manchester City secured a memorable comeback victory. A similar game will give the Etihad faithful a scare but would secure their fourth title in a row.