On Sunday morning, West Ham (7 wins, 3 losses, 2 draws) will travel to Etihad Stadium to take on Manchester City (8-2-2). Kickoff is set for 9 a.m. ET. Below, we preview the Manchester City vs. West Ham odds and lines, and make our best EPL bets, picks and predictions.
Man City has, by far, the best midfield in the EPL and potentially the best in the world.
That’s what has driven its results so far this season. Man City is currently sitting in third place and is 3 points behind top-ranked Chelsea at the time of writing.
Man City’s mere six goals conceded has been huge as well. It ranks second in shots, third in goals scored, first in opponents goals scored and first in shots allowed per game (6.3).
West Ham, for its expectations at the beginning of the season, have almost been more impressive.
West Ham has scored 23 goals and allowed 14 in 12 games, sitting in 4th on the table. It allows the fifth-most shots per game which could be a problem for West Ham on Sunday.
Manchester City vs. West Ham: Odds, picks and predictions
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 1:55 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Manchester City -350 (bet $350 to win $100) | West Ham +850 (bet $100 to win $850) | Draw +490
- Over/Under: 3.5 (O: +133 | U: -170)
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Prediction
Manchester City 1, West Ham 1
Money line (ML)
PASS on the money line with a slight lean to a draw at +490. The reason behind the draw is simple — Man City is just missing too many key pieces.
Kevin de Bruyne, arguably the best midfielder in the world, is out. Jack Grealish, their expensive midfield transfer, is out. Phil Foden is doubtful. Ferran Torres is out. That’s just too many important names not playing.
That said, they have a deep and talented roster, with star M İlkay Gündoğan taking charge. With that in mind, I’d be hesitant to take the favorite’s money line.
In these type of instances, I like looking to BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE, but with Man City having the best defensive in the EPL, I wouldn’t suggest going there either.
The total should give some decent value plays though.
Over/Under (O/U)
BET on the ALTERNATE LINE UNDER 2.5 (+145) as City’s defense should be able to slow West Ham’s offense, and the missing players should make a strong impact for City’s attack.
Grealish and de Bruyne are more offensive-minded midfielders, and without them, City’s attack may struggle to get good opportunities.
With that in mind, these two played in the EFL Cup earlier in the season and the result was a 0-0 full-time draw with West Ham taking the match in penalties. That type of showing is what I again expect on Sunday.
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