Sutton's predictions: West Ham v Man City

Chris Sutton believes Manchester City will survive a searching examination at the London Stadium and keep their quadruple dream flickering with a hard-fought victory over West Ham United.

City have not lost a league encounter against the Hammers since 2015, but their mid-week collapse in Madrid—surrendering a 3-0 advantage—has cast fresh doubt over their staying power on multiple fronts. “From 3-0 down, I can’t see them turning that tie around on Tuesday,” Sutton said, underlining the scale of the task awaiting Pep Guardiola’s squad.

The next few weeks could define City’s campaign: a Carabao Cup final against Arsenal, an FA Cup quarter-final with Liverpool, and a distant hope of overturning their European deficit. “The quadruple is still on for City but, at the moment, you’d say they are far more likely to end up with a trophyless season than they are to win all four,” Sutton added.

West Ham, desperate for points to climb the table, arrive off the back of a surprise win over Fulham. Yet Sutton remains unconvinced by their home form. “West Ham surprised me by beating Fulham in their last league game, but I am still not convinced by them at home,” he noted.

Despite City’s crowded calendar and wavering momentum, Sutton is backing the visitors to edge a tight contest, pinning his faith on Erling Haaland to deliver. “Everyone else seems to have lost faith in Erling Haaland, but not me. He will score, and City will win.”

West Ham v Man City, Premier League, Saturday, London Stadium.