Saturday will see one of the season's most unexpected Top-4 clashes, with table-topping Manchester City hosting fourth-place West Ham.
City's form, while sparkling, is not unexpected with such a talented squad and one of the best managers in the world on the touchline. The Hammers, however, are the shock of the season, battling for a Champions League spot after years of dysfunction and finishing 16th a year ago.
Manchester City vs West Ham betting preview
Here are our best Premier League predictions and soccer betting picks for Manchester City vs. West Ham on Saturday, February 27, with kickoff set for 7:30 a.m. ET.
Side pick
Though West Ham have been superb this season, they have earned just four points in matches against either Manchester side, Liverpool and Leicester City. They'll now go to the Etihad to face a City side who have won an astounding 19 consecutive matches in all competitions to go 10 points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
Pep Guardiola has the squad depth to effectively rotate between competitions without seeing any dropoff in quality. Even with City having played midweek in the Champions League, it's difficult to project their incredible run to end here. Trust Manchester City to make it 20 consecutive matches won and extend their lead at the top of the table, with a third Premier League title under Guardiola appearing more and more inevitable.
PICK: Manchester City (-424)
Over/Under pick
It's difficult to side with the Under in any match involving City, such is their magnificent form and embarrassment of riches in attack. Though City's O/U record in the Premier League this season is just 9-16, that's more a product of inflated totals and their sluggish start to the season than it is a lack of attacking options. As the home side in the Premier League this season, the Citizens are averaging 2.08 goals per game — nearly enough to top the total of 2.5 on their own.
Meanwhile, the total has finished below 2.5 just once in West Ham's last seven matches (16-9 O/U on the season). David Moyes will have his side organized and disciplined in defense on Saturday, but it simply does not matter against the inevitable City attack. The home side creates so many chances and after scoring just once on 15 shots a week ago, expect a higher conversion rate and as a result, the Over.
PICK: Over 2.5 (-196)
Player prop pick
While attackers around the Prem and abroad continue to get the shine, Raheem Sterling has continued to produce match-winning performances. City's dynamic winger has become oddly underrated, but he is in fine form at the moment with six goals in his last 10 matches, including the winner against Arsenal last weekend.
Sterling has enjoyed some prolific outings against the Hammers in recent seasons, including a hat trick in the reverse fixture last season. Though West Ham right back Vladimir Coufal has performed well since coming to the London club last fall, Sterling will give him fits playing as an inverted winger and roaming free in the attacking third.
As City continues to march toward another domestic title, we like Sterling to grab another goal against West Ham.
PICK: Raheem Sterling Anytime Goalscorer (+120)
Manchester City vs West Ham betting card
- Manchester City (-424)
- Over 2.5 (-196)
- Raheem Sterling Anytime Goalscorer (+120)
Did you know that if you parlayed today’s Premier League Manchester City vs. West Ham picks, you could win $31.06 on a $10 bet?
Use our Premier League parlay calculator to create your own parlays and see their potential payouts.
Where can I bet on Premier League soccer?
You can bet on Premier League soccer at most online sportsbooks and mobile apps. Find the best sportsbooks in your region to bet on Premier League soccer odds.
