How we expect Man City to line up against West Ham

Pep Guardiola faces having to field a defence devoid of four major players and a key back-up in veteran midfielder Fernandinho.

Ruben Dias, Kyle Walker and John Stones were already ruled out for the season before Laporte injured his knee in an awkward collision with Ruben Jimenez during Wednesday’s win over Wolves. Fernandinho was then forced off with a muscle problem.

Guardiola said after the game: “Apparently it doesn’t look good with Fernandinho. I would say there are some muscular problems and it will be difficult for Sunday.

“[Laporte] had a tough knock on his knee, and we have just four days so we will see how they recover for Sunday.”

City are at least set to be boosted by the return of Nathan Ake, who came off the bench at Molineux, and Rodri may have to drop into the defence for the trip to London Stadium.

Kevin De Bruyne starred up front with four goals of the 5-1 win over Wolves but may have to drop back into midfield amid the injury issues.

Predicted Manchester City XI: Ederson; Cancelo, Rodri, Ake, Zinchenko; Silva, Gundogan, De Bruyne; Mahrez, Jesus, Sterling.