Premier League preview: West Ham v Manchester City

1 November 2012 14:30

West Ham United can expect a true test of their Premier League credentials in Saturday's clash with Manchester City at Upton Park.

Sam Allardyce's side have made a respectable start in their return to the top flight with four wins and two draws from their opening nine games.

Having claimed victories over the likes of Aston Villa, Fulham and Southampton, West Ham will undoubtedly face their toughest challenge yet against the champions.

"When you look at the fixtures we've got coming now, we've got a group that if you give anything other than your very best it is going to be a problem to get a result and even your best might not be enough," Allardyce told the West Ham website.

"We had a very good performance against Arsenal and still got beaten 3-1 and now the big boys are coming round on a regular basis, we'll have to see if we can hit top form and see if we can get a result out of Saturday's game."

City, who have beaten Swansea City, West Bromwich Albion, Sunderland and Fulham in their past four matches, are third on the table, one point behind leaders Chelsea.

While City are without defender Micah Richards, who will miss up to four months following knee surgery this week, manager Roberto Mancini has no shortage of options to replace him.

Pablo Zabaleta shapes as the most likely option in his return from a hamstring injury, while Maicon and Kolo Toure can also be called upon if needed.