By Ewan Murray
Manchester City can clinch a record fourth successive Premier League title this Sunday when they welcome West Ham United to the Etihad.
Pep Guardiola's side moved back to the summit of the Premier League table with a nervy but crucial 2-0 win over Tottenham on Tuesday evening, leapfrogging Arsenal in the process. They are now two points ahead of the Gunners heading into the final game of the campaign, but with an inferior goal difference than their title rivals, Man City know they have to beat West Ham to guarantee the trophy.
Form would suggest that Man City have already done the hard part when it comes to their title defence, with West Ham having only won three Premier League matches since the start of March. The reverse fixture finished a comfortable 3-1 in the Cityzens' favour at the London Stadium.
Unsurprisingly, Erling Haaland proved the hero in north London last time out and he will be confident of firing Man City to glory this Sunday. However, there are question marks over the fitness of his partner in crime Kevin De Bruyne, who assisted his opener against Spurs.
Here is how Man City could line up for the title decider against West Ham.
Man City predicted lineup vs West Ham (4-2-3-1)
GK: Stefan Ortega - With Ederson out for the rest of the season after fracturing his eye socket, Ortega will be called upon this weekend. After his incredible save against Son Heung-min in midweek, Man City fans won't be sweating the absence of their first-choice goalkeeper.
RB: Kyle Walker - The England international now boasts four clean sheets in his last five outings and his speed and experience will be required to deal with West Ham's tricky forwards like Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen.
CB: Ruben Dias - The Portuguese hs forced his way back into the starting lineup after a small break out of the team. There are few central defenders more trustworthy for the big occasion.
CB: Manuel Akanji - Son's miss saw Akanji breathe an enormous sigh of relief against Spurs after his error allowed the South Korean a free run on goal. However, he has largely been unflappable this season and will likely retain his starting place.
LB: Josko Gvardiol - Croatia's answer to Roberto Carlos, Gvardiol has five goals in his last eight games following a brilliant brace against Fulham last weekend. His influence has been key in recent weeks after a slow start to the campaign.
CM: Rodri - Man City will be wrapping Rodri in cotton wool until Sunday's clash, with the Spaniard's presence essential at the base of midfield. All three of the club's Premier League defeats have come when the 27-year-old has been absent.
CM: Mateo Kovacic - The former Chelsea midfielder has now started four of Man City's last five games, helping shore up the engine room even further. He may need to do his fair share of defending to match Man City transfer target Lucas Paqueta.
RM: Bernardo Silva - With six goals and seven assists in the league this season - two of the latter coming during the recent 4-0 win over Fulham - Silva is a must-start on the right-hand side.
AM: Kevin De Bruyne - Guardiola will be sweating on the fitness of De Bruyne, who came off after taking a kick to the ankle midweek. However, if he's remotely fit, you would expect him to start.
LM: Phil Foden - So often the man that comes up clutch on the big stage for Man City, expect Foden to be involved this Sunday as he looks to add to his 17 Premier League goals this season.
ST: Erling Haaland - After netting four against Wolves recently, Haaland's one-game goalless drought came to an end against Spurs as he bagged twice. He has scored in all three of his games against West Ham.
This article was originally published on 90min.com as Man City predicted lineup vs West Ham - Premier League.
