Preview: Manchester City vs. West Ham United

Manchester City host West Ham United in the Premier League on Saturday, looking for three points to strengthen their hold on second place after seeing their title hopes end.

City's failed defence of their Premier League crown was confirmed on Monday when rivals Manchester United beat Aston Villa.

City are five points ahead of third-placed Arsenal with a game in hand on the Gunners. Roberto Mancini's men will be hoping to bounce back from last week's 3-1 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur.

West Ham United are unbeaten in their last five matches, winning two of them. A victory at the Etihad Stadium would move Sam Allardyce's side closer to securing Premier League status for next season.

City's only injury concern is David Silva, who is struggling with an ankle problem. Sergio Aguero could return after missing the defeat to Tottenham Hotspur with a hamstring complaint.

West Ham boss Allardyce could name the same XI that beat Wigan Athletic 2-0 last weekend, with Andy Carroll retaining his place in attack.

Recent form

Man City: WLWWWL

West Ham: LWDDDW

Possible starting lineups

Man City: Hart; Zabaleta, Kompany, Nastasic, Clichy; Nasri, Milner, Barry, Y. Toure; Dzeko, Tevez

West Ham: Jaaskelainen; Reid, O'Brien, Collins, Demel; Nolan, Diame, Jarvis, O'Neil; Vaz Te, Carroll

Sports Mole says: 3-1